Hi Ladies,

I'm posting this chapter early, and maybe I will have another one for you on Monday. If you don't like lemons this chapter may not be for you. The next few chapters you won't want to miss, however. I want to thank everyone for their reviews. They are amazing encouragement, and I love reading them.

Let me know what you all think. Thanks for reading.

Also, my new Halloween Mobward has been posted and I do promise a HEA. Head over and give it a shot.

Chapter 26

Edward-

"Practice?" Bella asked simply, shivering as I nibbled my way to her ear.

Bracing my hands on the wall, resting on either side of her head, I backed up an inch to gaze down into her upturned face. Her skin was flushed, and her usually bright green eyes were murky. The fear I expected to find wasn't present–in its place–lingered a look of curiosity, wonder, and dare I say, desire. My skin drew taut, and I felt close to bursting at the seams with a want I'd never experienced.

I might have had more sex than the average man, but this was the first time I was blown away by a woman. Bella was wondrous. She was beautiful inside and out. When this whole scheme started, I'd never envisioned forming a bond with my 'fake' wife, but as the days passed, I couldn't imagine my life without her in it. The connection I shared with this woman should scare the fuck out of me. Instead of running in the opposite direction, however, there was this gravitational pull I couldn't deny. Hell, I didn't even want to deny it. This tsunami of emotions made me want to burrow into her warmth and get swept away in the tide.

My gaze dropped to her parted lips, and her little puffs of breath coasted along my jaw. My mouth watered, and hunger overwhelmed my senses. I wanted to taste her. I wanted to kiss those rose petal lips, sample the delicate skin of her swan-like neck, and venture further until I tasted every fucking inch of her. Holding myself in check, I leaned close to her ear, enticed by her scent. My hands balled into fists as I resisted the urge to press against her and let her feel exactly what she did to me. My lips grazed the shell of her ear, pleased when gooseflesh dotted her creamy neck.

Huskily, I whispered, "My wanting to kiss you has nothing to do with practicing." Her gasp filled the silence in the condo, echoing in my ears and singing to my own desire. "Does that scare you, princess?"

Her breasts rapidly rose and fell. I backed up another inch in case she wanted to bolt. No matter how much I might want her, or how hard my cock strained in my slacks, I would never force her to do something she didn't want, even if not kissing her killed me. The pulse in her neck tripled in its beat, and she squirmed with a nervous fidget. The hope welling in my chest started to deflate when her hand lifted and curled into the fabric of my shirt.

I half expected her to shove me backward until I was no longer caging her in, so when she yanked the material, pulling me closer, I stumbled forward in surprise. Her lips skimmed my jaw, moving against my skin as she whispered, "I've wanted to kiss you all day. I j-just didn't know how to say that. I-I've never wanted to before …"

I was lost. I was drowning. Hypnotized by her words, I let instinct take over. I nipped the tender skin of her earlobe, growling when she shuddered. "Baby, you can kiss me anytime you want. You don't have to even ask."

Bella whimpered, the sound knocking me off my axis, leaving me spiraling into the abyss. Letting my teeth scrap her jaw on my way to her lips, I whispered hoarsely, "If I do anything that scares you. Tell me, okay."

"Stop talking, Edward," she demanded, her fingers fisting in my shirt.

She hummed when my lips settled over hers. Unfamiliar desperation collided with the desire to possess her, and my tongue plunged deep when she sighed. Hungrily I explored every inch of her silken mouth, an animalistic need grew to unbearable heights as my tongue tangled with hers. Her hands went flat, sliding up my chest, greedily gripping handfuls of material as they traveled up my body. Sucking her bottom lip, I pulled away, my nose skimming hers. I stared into her dazed eyes, loving the corresponding fire I witnessed in their depths. "What do you want, princess?"

The way she was pulling at my shirt made me think she wanted to touch bare skin, but I wasn't about to make any assumptions. She bit her lip, and I wanted to yank her to me, yet I still kept my hands pinned to the wall. It was damn near killing me not to touch her cause God knew I wanted to. She grabbed my shirt in her tiny fists, resting over my pecs, her lashes fluttering shyly until she boldly met my gaze. "I-I want … I w-want this off."

My gaze never wavered from hers as I stepped back, my blood rushing in my veins, and roaring in my ears. My jaw clenched as my cock pulsed, my balls dangerously close to imploding. I inhaled a lungful of air and my nostrils flared when her sweet scent wafted beneath my nose. "Take it off, princess."

The muscles in her throat worked hard as she swallowed nervously. Slowly her fingers unwound from the fabric of my shirt, shaking as they hovered over the first button. Her tongue slicked over her lips and after a brief hesitation, she slipped the button through the eyelet. Not wanting to startle her, I leaned in, licking a path to her ear. I brushed her hair from her shoulder, letting my tongue glide down the slope of her neck, nibbling, tasting, and sucking. "You're so fucking brave, princess. I've never met anyone more courageous in my life. I don't think I will ever get enough of you."

She expelled a shuddering breath once she reached the last button, gathering courage, she tugged the tail of my shirt from my slacks. Warm, greedy fingers traced the muscles of my abs, trailing through my hair to climb to my pecs. "Oh fuck," I groaned as she burrowed in the hair covering my pecs. When she leaned down and tasted my skin, my whole body vibrated with pent-up need. "You have no idea how bad I want to touch you right now. I swear, I'm going insane, baby."

Bella paused for a second. She took a deep indrawn breath, her nose sniffing my skin before the tip of her tongue flicked against the dragon imprinted on my pec. Her fingers skimmed my nipple and the bud instantly pebbled. Sparks flashed beneath my skin, darting in every direction, my cock jumping from the barely-there touches. Finally, her lips moved in the hair on my chest as she whispered, "Okay."

A flaming forest fire started in my gut, rippling to every contour of my body, settling at the base of my spine. Playing it safe, my hand dove into her thick mane, tilting her head up my mouth claiming hers. Kissing her thoroughly, I moaned low in my throat when she returned the kiss with equal fervor. With each sweep of my tongue winding around hers, passion overtook me, and my grip on her hair loosened, my hands gliding over her bare shoulders. I growled when her arms wound around my neck, and her fingers knotted in my hair. She pressed her mouth harder against mine. I caught her little whimpers of pleasure in my kiss, the sounds feeding the animal buried deep, ripping at my gut to be released.

The beast lying dormant awoke. Aggression clamored to the surface, and my hand curled around her throat, my thumb feathering along her jaw as I held her in place. Her nails bit into my shoulders, and I ravaged her mouth, sucking hard on her tongue. With a rush of hunger threatening to devour my mind, I closed my eyes, slowing my kiss. Summoning all the willpower I possessed, I gave her one last kiss before ripping my mouth from hers. "Are you okay, princess? Am I scaring you?"

She kneaded the definition of my biceps. Her head jerked as she shook it in the negative. "No. I-I've never felt so alive. Every cell in my body is snapping and popping. Edward, I'm throbbing everywhere. It's making me antsy. I j-just want … It feels good, but there's more isn't there?"

Her brow furrowed and she looked like she was in deep consideration. She blinked rapidly, and her lashes lifted. A drugged glaze seemed to hold her spellbound. "You know what I don't. What am I missing, husband?"

Her hips wiggled as she spoke. I knew exactly what she was feeling. If she were any other woman, I would've sunk to my knees and lifted her skirt. I would've buried my nose and tongue so deep, that she'd feel me for days. She wasn't any other woman, however. This was Bella. My princess that had been traumatized. I gulped with indecision. I didn't want to terrify her and ruin all the progress we'd made. I didn't want her to associate my touch with fear.

My fingers flexed against her throat, tightening slightly, holding the pressure momentarily before letting it go slack. The fire burning in her eyes spoke volumes. My baby was going to love it rough, but first, we had to get her past the damage done to her. Licking my lips, I was on the verge of biting into the tendons pulsing beneath my fingertips. "Do you trust me, princess?"

"Uh-huh," she nodded without hesitation.

My cock jerked in response. Swallowing hard, I stared intently into her green orbs. "Do you want me to help you with these new sensations?"

"Yes," she whispered.

If I'd seen the slightest hesitation I would've rethought my plan. I took her mouth in a demanding kiss, nipping hard at her bottom lip until she was grasping hard at my shoulders. She was attempting to pull me closer. I maintained the sliver of self-control I still possessed, and kept my distance. "You do know what you're doing to me, right? If you feel me," for emphasis, I took her hand moving my hips forward, letting her feel my cock. Her fingers curled into fists with a whoosh of air. "If you feel me, are you going to panic?"

"N-no," she stuttered, swallowing hard.

Dropping a kiss on her nose, I continued, "Even if you do panic, I will stop the second it's too much. Understand?"

"Okay," she whispered, a slight wobble of her chin tugging at my heart. She stared at me long and hard, the corner of her mouth lifting in a soft smile. Pressure from her fingers urged me to close the distance, my body pressing fully into hers, no longer hiding the effect she had on me. A hiccup followed by a low whine emerged from her throat, and she shifted restlessly, her hips tilting. "I trust you, Edward. I know you wouldn't hurt me on purpose."

I dragged my thumb over her bottom lip, red and swollen from my kisses. "Even if it's by accident, I want you to tell me."

I wet my lips, and my heart slammed against my ribs like a runaway freight train. I didn't want to mess this up. Bella was entrusting me to make this right for her, to make it good for her. I wasn't a praying man. I didn't know if I believed in God or not, but I would like to believe there was something bigger and stronger than myself. If he ever granted me anything I asked for, this would be my wish. When she finally nodded her understanding, I wound her hair around my fist and tipped her head up.

I kissed her with greed, growling as she returned my urgency, letting my hips rock into the softness of her belly. Her exhale rushed over my lips, soaking my tongue. Biting her lip, I pulled with sharp teeth, soothing the sting with gentle licks. Sharp nails dug into my back, scraping roughly, as she lifted onto her tiptoes. Slowly, I let my hands glide down her sides as my kisses traveled across her jaw. Easily, I dragged the silk of her skirt up her legs, my fingertips meeting smooth, velvety skin. Licking over her pulse, I sucked hard on the tendon there, a purple mark darkening her flesh, marking her as mine.

I wanted to mark all of her as mine. I wanted to bury myself so far inside of her that neither of us knew where we started and the other ended. Today wasn't the day for that, however. Today was about showing Bella there was more to sex than force and resentment. Today was about letting her enjoy herself, even if my cock cursed me seven ways from Sunday.

Bella's muscles flexed as I caressed her thigh. I was tempted to sink to my knees and kiss the length before pressing my tongue into her soaked core. When she didn't shove away from my advances, I kissed my way from her collarbone to the strap holding her dress in place. Using the tip of my nose, I brushed the silk away, leaving her shoulder bare. I bit into her, loving the way her breathing increased. She wiggled in response to my exploration, her fingers gripping the hairs on my chest. Sucking another purple mark on her ivory skin, I glanced up to find her eyes closed. "You okay, princess?"

"Y-yes," she stammered as I kissed along the drooping material of her gown. Her fingers fisted in my hair and victory was mine as she guided my mouth lower. "I'm not ready for you to stop yet, Edward. Please, don't stop."

My mouth was nearing Bella's pouting nipple. My pupils dilated and I watched her closely, letting my tongue dip below her bodice. "Put your arms around my neck, baby." She didn't even hesitate, her hands sliding over the hard muscle of my chest to wind around my neck. Gripping her legs with bruising fingers, I lifted her from her feet. "Put those sexy ass legs around my waist."

She trembled against me, and I sought to reassure her. "This is all up to you, baby. We can stop now."

Bella shook her head. "I don't want to stop. I trust you." With that declaration, she slid her legs around me, her thighs gripping my hips with a force that made me growl. Staring into her molten eyes, I urged her to lean back into the wall. Gently, I rocked my length into her, watching her lips part in awe. When she met my next thrust with one of her own, I braced my weight on my forearms, letting her take the lead.

As she rubbed her heat against my erection, I jerked, grinding into her. "You feel so fucking good, baby."

She buried her head into my neck, her teeth piercing the cords, sucking with aggression that matched mine. Eagerly, I pushed her bodice down, groaning when her breast popped out. I went still, waiting. I waited with a restraint I didn't even know I had. The rose-colored bud puckered under my gaze, begging to be sucked, licked, and bit. Bella teased the shell of my ear, her husky whisper filling my ear. "Don't stop. Everything feels so good. I feel liberated."

Bella-

My whole world was spinning out of control. Edward held me against the wall, his etched chest rippling with every movement he made, my hips bracketed by his. A flash of heat speared through my belly and shot to my core. I was hot, and a throbbing mess, every sweep of his tongue igniting a blaze. Instead of wanting to push him away, I squirmed closer, addicted to the buzz making my entire body tingle.

The hardness between his legs should have scared me, but the roll of his hips created a friction that sent lust curling my toes. Engulfed in this fog of sensation, I licked his skin as he kissed over my torso, pushing the bodice lower on my chest. When cool air touched my nipple, I whimpered as the nub puckered.

The way Edward paused, giving me a chance to stop him had my heart squeezing. He was waiting. He was waiting for me to make a decision. He wasn't pushing. He wasn't demanding. He simply went still, waiting for my permission to proceed. Another tug to my heart. I wanted to know. I wanted to know what his mouth would feel like there.

I expected to feel disgusted. After years of being manipulated and abused, I expected to be repulsed by the prospect of anyone's touch, and typically, I was, but Edward Cullen had a way of making me feel comfortable and safe. He made wanting these wicked temptations, okay, and he gave me the freedom to decide. That in itself whispered to my inner woman that this might not be as bad as I thought. I might not be ready to throw him on the bed and fuck his brains out, but I was ready to explore. I was ready to grow. I was ready to hand over the reins of control and let this man guide me to the unknown.

"Don't stop," I murmured, his hot breath blowing against my skin, driving me crazy. If his breath was capable of turning my blood to molten lava, I could only imagine what the feel of his mouth would be like.

I didn't have long to wait. As soon as the words left my lips, he latched onto the tender nub and sucked hard. His teeth bit down with enough force to make me gasp, while the movement of his hips matched the flick of his tongue. The ridge of his cock pressed into my clit, and wetness coated my panties. "D-do that again," I whispered frantically. "That felt so good."

He chuckled against my breast. Licking my nipple, his fingers dug into my hips, urging me to move with him. His cock hit the right spot once again. Sparks shot beneath my eyelids causing my body to rock, searching, seeking more. With each thrust white-hot heat shot through my core, increasing the pleasure. A tightly wound spring deep in my stomach began to unravel, and I knew I was on the verge of something huge.

Gripping Edward's hair, I pulled him away from my tits, and eagerly met his mouth as hunger consumed me. "Right there. Keep doing that … oh my."

"Right there?" He growled huskily, rhythmically sliding against my pulsating clit.

"Yes. Yes. Right there. Don't stop," I cried as something magical burst. Liquid heat rushed throughout my body, leaving me gasping and limp. I didn't have an ounce of strength left. My lashes dropped as a lazy haze clouded my brain, and I slowly returned his kiss.

Gradually the movement of his hips stopped and once I regained feeling in my legs, Edward gently placed me back on my feet. His head was bent, his chest rising and falling with each breath. His heart pounded and his entire body was as tense as a bowstring. When my hand slid over his shoulder, his muscle jerked under my touch, and he ground his teeth together as if he were fighting an impulse. Breathlessly, I stared into his downturned face. "Edward?"

Edward's liquefied blue gaze appeared nearly black in the darkening condo. His temple pulsed and there was so much fire in his eyes, that another ripple of warmth trickled into my belly. That's when it dawned on me. Edward had given me pleasure while denying his own. When he ripped his eyes from mine and abruptly turned, I knew what was happening. He was sparing me.

I fell back against the wall completely satisfied, but with a new longing, I watched him disappear into his bedroom. The sound of his footsteps faded, and then, I heard the click of his bathroom door. Apprehension crackled beneath my skin, and the weirdest urge descended upon me. Before I even knew I was moving, I stood in front of his bathroom, sorting through my nerves.

I wanted to give him the same pleasure as he'd shown me. I didn't want him to worry so much about hurting or scaring me. The simple fact that he'd wanted to protect me was enough to calm the war of emotions whirling around in my gut. I could do this. I wanted to do this. I wanted to hear his satisfaction. I wanted to know everything about him.

I took a deep breath and reached for the doorknob. If it was locked I would just go back to my room. Anxiety stole the rapture I experienced moments ago as I twisted the knob. I expected to find it locked, but when the door cracked open a whole new bundle of nerves scattered throughout me.

What if Edward didn't want me here? What if he didn't want me, period? I knew I was being ridiculous, but I couldn't help the doubt creeping in on me. Swallowing hard, I refused to succumb to the insecurities clamoring to the surface.

I found him leaning over the counter, his hand down his pants, panting as his hand worked to bring him release. A large part of me wanted to flee from the bathroom as images fought to form in my mind. Forcibly I shoved them into a deep dark hole and refused to think of the past. Rather I focused on my husband with his face contorted in pure torture. His lips were pursed against his teeth, his nostrils flaring, hissing with his eyes tightly closed. His entire body was tense, and I was captivated.

I knew he was thinking of me and a thrill shot to my lady bits. I clenched my thighs to alleviate the building pressure. "Edward?"

Edward's eyes flashed to mine and the agony evident in them had me moving forward. His chest convulsed and his growl hit me straight in the gut. "Princess. Y-you shouldn't be …"

Despite his protests, his hand never stopped moving in the hidden folds of his slacks, yet I crossed the room until I was standing next to him. Edward had shown me a bright new beautiful world and I wanted to give him that gift back. With little effort, I wedged myself between his large body and the countertop, ever aware of his cock enclosed in his tight grasp. His wanton gaze ran the length of me, shuddering, he groaned, the sound so tormented I reached for his chest.

Perspiration beaded on his forehead and shoulders with the effort to hold back. Wanting to help him, my hand slid down his chest, tracing his six-pack. His muscles quivered under my fingers and he exhaled harshly, his gaze locking on mine. "You don't have to, princess."

"Shh," I told him as I placed a finger over his lips. "I know I don't have to. That's what makes the difference, Edward. It makes all the difference."

He shifted closer, his lips parting and he licked the length of my finger before drawing the digit into his mouth. He sucked hard, stealing my breath. The suction of his mouth was warm and wet and made me shiver. Watching him intently, I let my hand delve into his pants, anxiety rose in my throat when I brushed into the smooth length of him.

If he hadn't kissed me at that moment, I might have rocketed out of that room so fast that smoke would've been on my tail. But he did kiss me. His tongue stole my rational thoughts and the fears of inadequacy. With every strum of his lips against mine, dancing, drawing me in, I melted a little more until he was lifting me to sit on the counter before him. I kissed him back, losing myself in the moment, and my balled fist unfurled of its own accord.

I cupped him, excitement pulsing through me, making me bolder, more confident. His growl spoke to my own inner animal. Hesitantly, I explored the steel wrapped in velvet, loving the sounds escaping his throat. Hearing his pleasure was addicting, and his kiss was drugging me. In a daze, I wound my hand around him, his cock jerking against my palm. Slowly, I let my hand slide down his length, discovering what drove him crazy with every move I made.

My eyes rolled when he nibbled a path down my neck to my jaw. His hot breath swirled in my ear, as he huskily asked, "You okay, princess?"

"Perfect," I moaned as his tongue traced the shell of my ear, his broad palm coming up to massage my breast. He flicked my nipple with his nail, pinching the hard pebble, he began to move in my hand.

On impulse, my grip tightened, and a tortured grunt erupted in my ear. "That's it, baby. Oh, fuck. Faster, princess."

The confines of his pants was making it difficult to caress him. As his lips latched onto my nipple, I shoved his slacks down his hips to reach him better. When I reached for his cock this time, his hips bucked in response, and his chest rumbled. Pulling on his length, I kissed along his stubbled jaw, nipping hard. I loved hearing him hiss and grunt, guiding my ignorance. As he ground into my palm, I became aware of his fingers digging into my thighs. A flood of heat soaked my panties, but instantly my mind conflicted with the pleasure I was feeling. When his hands began to slide up, I backed up a bit, freezing. "I'm not ready for that, Edward."

He gave a curt nod and his hands fell to the countertop. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the marble. His forehead came down to rest on my shoulder, his hips going still. Worried I had ruined the moment, my hold on his cock slid down until I cupped his balls. "I'm not done, babe," I whispered, kissing his ear as he'd done mine. That seemed to save the whole encounter because he began to thrust against me with urgency.

I barely caressed his bulbous head when he went tense all over, his roar bouncing off the walls around us, and warm cum covered my hand.

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