A/N: Thank you all so much for all the love. Also thank you to whoever nominated Pretend for Me and The Code of Swan for the Twi Fic Fandom Awards. Be sure to vote for your favorites. Voting ends in one week, 2/26, at 11:59 pm.

Song: Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth & Emeli Sande

"You what?" Alice gasped, as she swung open her dressing room door. So much for wanting to avoid attention.

I peeked out of the dressing room door and nodded at her.

When she invited me to go shopping at Bergdorf's, I thought it would be like old times. Looking through racks together, pulling pieces for one another, and then trying things on. We would pay for our huge haul and then proceed to lunch.

But no—this time was different. Apparently being seen with me was still the worst possible thing, so Alice forced me to take turns with her looking around the department store and then we proceeded to try things on in the dressing rooms, separately.

When I suggested separate dressing rooms over the phone a few weeks ago, I didn't think she would actually go take my offer seriously. For some reason, I thought that our long history, everything we'd gone through, meant more to her. After all, she was among the few that hadn't turned their backs on me completely. Sure, there was a notable difference in our limited interactions, but there was also that odd sense of familiarity and comfort in having someone to talk to who knew the world we came from, who knew the me I was before. But maybe I was wearing rose-colored glasses.

As the afternoon wore on, we only spoke once when nobody was around. Alice had already shushed me twice, thinking other customers might be coming and could recognize my voice.

What a drama queen.

Normally, we would just share one dressing room. I wasn't shy and she was supposedly my closest friend. Besides, it wasn't like the tabloids hadn't plastered half naked shots of me on DiCaprio's boat already.

"Isabella, I can't believe a bartender from Brooklyn made you orgasm for the first time." Alice shrieked. Of course that statement wasn't hushed. The entire department store might have heard her outburst for how loud she was.

Even though I couldn't see her face, I could tell by the incredulity in her tone that she was jealous. We'd shared enough of our secrets that I knew for a fact neither of us had experienced that from a partner before. The guys that ran in our circle weren't thinking about making sure you got off, only that they did and with enough time to make it to the club or whatever event where their presence was required.

So even though I'd had sex before, nothing compared to the experience I'd shared with Edward Masen, which was why I couldn't help myself when I recounted it to Alice. She'd wanted to know more about the guy I was seeing, and a smile overtook my face as I thought about our most recent date. While we didn't have actual sex, what we did do was unimaginably delicious that the words just tumbled from my lips.

With how the night started, I hadn't expected our relationship to progress the way it had, but boy was I glad it did.

SDSD

I stood in the doorway of his kitchen, watching him meticulously load the dishwasher. Watching him be the perfect specimen he innately was.

"I can help, you know," I protested, crossing my arms across my chest. "I'm not a invalid."

I had never loaded a dishwasher in my life. Matter of fact, I'd never really washed a dish either. But for Edward I was willing to learn.

He shook his head, reaching down to move a glass to the top rack. Once satisfied with his handiwork, Edward grabbed a soap pod, placed it in the holder, and then closed the machine. He dried his hands on a dish towel, setting it down beside him before resting his back against the counter.

I met his magnetic gaze, clearing my throat before I uttered the words that had been running through my head ever since our dinner conversation. "You know I really appreciate how you were honest with me about Bree. I want to be honest too. I really do." I gulped and looked down at the floor.

"Bella, I don't expect anything from you in return. I know when you're ready, you'll tell me about yourself, right?" His voice was tender. He spoke in such a way that told me he was careful in his word selection, almost as if I was a skittish animal about to run off at the slightest thing.

I nodded, still looking at the floor. I wanted to tell him. I really did. And I was going to tell him everything. I just needed time. I had to believe that in time, things would work out. That I would work myself out. That I'd be less scared of how he'd look at me.

"I wish I had a parent like you growing up." I took a deep breath. "My parents were all too consumed with themselves to notice me or my older sister. Social hierarchy was ingrained into us from a young age. You were nothing if you weren't seen at the right places with the right people. They put on a good show in public, playing the part of attentive caregivers to a tee, but then behind closed doors, they were some of the phoniest and most miserable people. I was barely into my teens when my parents divorced and my father ran off with his business partner, leaving my mother with two kids and a scandal. The disgrace of her failed marriage was what she was most concerned about. Image was so important and she couldn't take the black mark that was now paired with her name. My older sister Jane and I were left in the dust. I was sent to boarding school, and Jane rebelled against anything having to do with wealth and high society. So a year and a half ago, when I—" I closed my eyes, trying my best to calm myself. It all became too much and I recognized the signs of an impending panic attack. My hands shook uncontrollably. My breathing was short and shallow. I inhaled slowly and tried to recall the meditation exercises I'd learned. Slowly the trembling lessened and my breathing evened out. When I was finally brave enough to open my eyes, I refused to look anywhere but the floor in case the walls decided to close in on me.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Edward's sock-clad feet make their way toward me. Despite avoiding looking in his direction, I could feel his gaze as he approached. It always hypnotized me. Like I was under his spell. Which was part of the reason I couldn't force my eyes up from the floor. If I stared into those emerald eyes, I'd be powerless, willing to give him whatever he wanted. It was all his anyway. And all he seemed to want was me. To comfort me. To care for me.

"It's okay." Edward lifted my chin to make me look at him. "Tell me more at your pace. When you're ready," he added. "We've got time."

I focused on his shimmering green eyes. Damn, you don't see that shade every day.

I nodded, focusing on his words and letting them settle my anxiousness. As the panic wore off, I decided to lighten the mood by shooting my shot. "So?" I questioned as I pursed my lips.

Before anything else could be said, Edward grabbed my waist and brought me to him. Once we were flush against one another, his lips were on mine.

Hard, wet, filled with want.

Desire.

Edward made me feel desired. And man, did I yearn for him.

I never once wanted a man the way I did Edward. Come to think of it, all of my previous physical advances were more obligatory than passionate.

I lost myself in the kiss, the way his mouth molded with mine, the delicious sliding of his tongue as it tangled against my own. I could tell by the way his breathy moans filled the air around us that he was enjoying this as much as I was. When I slid my hands up his neck, wanting to pull him closer, to erase any distance between us, Edward pulled away.

Damn, the willpower this guy had was incredible.

As my heart beat frantically in my chest, he took my hand in his and led me to the couch. Once we both were seated, I wasted no time and thought now was as good a time as any to try to take things further, so I straddled him. I shimmied into a comfortable position, moving my hips until our pelvises aligned, and a groan came from Edward. A sound so rough and filled with want that my arousal spiked. I looked down at him and smirked, taking in the hunger in his eyes.

He cupped my cheek and brought my face down to his. Edward's lips were soft against my own. I ground against him once more, feeling where his hard met my soft, and I moaned at the sensation. I think he did as well.

Wanting to feel his skin on mine, I grabbed the hem of my blouse, but I was met with resistance. Edward shooed my hand away, lowering the fabric. I broke the kiss and looked down at him, probably a little annoyed and definitely a lot frustrated.

"Do you want to do that part?" I challenged, giving him a pointed look.

Edward pursed his lips. They were shiny from my lip gloss and red from our kissing. It was almost like I'd branded him—I liked it.

He nodded. "Yeah, I do." His eyes trailed down over my body, and I shivered under his gaze.

Faster than I could have done, he had my shirt off and tossed somewhere in his living room.

I'd thankfully worn one of my newer La Perla bras. While none of my previous partners inspired me to dress in sexy attire for them, I did love lingerie. I wore it more for me than anything else. But judging by the look on Edward's face, he definitely appreciated this aspect of my fancy things.

I leaned down and resumed the attack on his lips. As I grabbed the back of his head, our noses scrunched up together. It was a sloppy, needy kiss.

I pulled away in need of air, but his lips didn't leave my body. No—they just relocated to my neck, to my collarbone, to the tops of my breasts.

Edward swiftly reached behind me and flicked open my bra. I slid my arms out of the offensive material, shoving it to the side so that my bare chest pressed against the cotton of his shirt.

Edward rose from the couch, taking me with him, my legs wrapped around his waist and my hands clutching onto his shoulders for balance. I leaned up and gave him another kiss, savoring the way he tasted. Damn, I think I was addicted. Another reason to go back to rehab.

He helped me to my feet, and as soon as I was steady, he captured my lips once more and started walking us backwards. His hands roamed over my naked flesh, caressing the skin that had been revealed to him. Strong fingers teased along my rib cage, ghosting over the underside of my breast.

A loud bang echoed throughout the apartment as my back hit the wall, our steps faltering as we were forced to pull stopped nipping at my lips, his eyes locking with mine.

Words weren't needed to ask the question that was evident in his eyes … and then there was the prominent bulge in his pants.

I nodded once, slightly amused that he was finally breaking down on his "taking it slow" vow.

Edward took my hand in his and led the way to his bedroom.

His room was filled with mahogany furniture. The comforter over the king sized bed was a deep gray, which matched the paint on the walls. It had a sexy vibe if you ignored the pink frilly items scattered throughout.

The bed was covered with extra pillows and blankets. There were some princess blankets and stuffed animals on the bed. No doubt left behind by his daughter, Bree.

Edward quickly grabbed the pile of little girl items and shoved them inside the quilted ottoman at the foot of the bed. He then stalked toward me. "Ready to run yet?" Edward taunted.

For every step he took in my direction, I matched it with one of my own, moving backward, trying to keep some distance between us. My progress was halted when my legs hit the side of the bed, leaving me no room to go. I was trapped between this gorgeous man and his bed. Which all things considered was not a bad situation to be in.

I shook my head and grabbed him by the back of his neck, pulling him into me.

My lips practically attacked him, sucking and nipping, but I wanted more.

Apparently he did as well because he grabbed my waist and tossed me onto the bed. My ass bounced against the mattress and I gasped.

When Edward pulled off his shirt and proceeded to unzip his pants, I looked on shamelessly. He certainly didn't have a dad bod. He was toned, not ripped, but equally gorgeous.

Swirls of ink on his upper bicep and on his chest right over his heart caught my eye, but Edward leaned forward on the bed before I could make out either tattoo. He gave me a devilish smirk and reached for the button on my pants. Edward looked back to me and silently asked me permission as he stroked across my stomach, and I nodded eagerly.

My body hummed in anticipation, and I felt like a live wire. The air was filled with a passion and lust that I had never experienced.

And the way he looked at me … Everybody should be looked at the way Edward was looking at me, at least once in their lifetime.

"God, Bella, you're so fucking sexy." He groaned as he slowly slid my pants down my legs, revealing my lace thong. "I've thought about this for too long."

"How long?" I teased, batting my eyes at him.

"Since I ran after you," Edward admitted, looking at me as he hooked my underwear with his thumbs, and peeling them off quicker than he had my pants.

I laughed. "I win then."

He looked at me questioningly.

"I've wanted you since after I spilled my drink on you."

Edward shook his head as he hovered over my body. His boxers were the only thing keeping us apart. "And here I was trying to be a gentleman," he joked.

I could barely focus on what he was saying. My brain was turning to mush, seeing him practically naked and oh so sexy.

Edward's face became serious all of a sudden and his shoulders sagged.

"What is it?" I asked. I really fucking hoped he wasn't changing his mind.

"I want you. You're so gorgeous and you're a good person. I don't think you see that about yourself. But it's because of those reasons I think we should wait a little longer. I'm not seeing anybody else. I don't know—"

I cut him off. "That's okay. I mean I want you, but waiting is cool too." I offered. "Even though it might kill me."

"Well just because sex is off the table, it doesn't mean we can't do other fun things." He waggled his eyebrows at me, lowering his head to kiss me once more.

I arched my back up to him, feeling the coarse hair on his chest rub against my nipples. When he pulled away too quickly for my liking, I asked breathlessly, "What other fun things?"

"Let me show you." Edward gave me a smile and a peck on the lips before making his way to my breasts. He took one nipple in his mouth, sucking lightly before moving to the other, using his tongue to swirl around the hardened peak.

I gasped for air, his actions overwhelming my sensations in the very best way imaginable. By the time I'd caught my breath, his mouth had moved to my stomach, where he placed small kisses as he crept farther and farther south until he was nestled between my thighs.

Holy shit.

Expertly he used his mouth and his tongue—his fingers rubbing all the spots his mouth didn't—to take me to new heights. Fuck me.

I dug my heel into his shoulder as he sucked and nipped my needy flesh.

His tongue snaked around my clit, over and over, scraping it lightly with his teeth before he sucked it between his lips. Needing something to anchor myself, I grabbed his biceps, digging my nails into him.

Every now and then, Edward would flatten his tongue, taking languid licks along my slit. It was this merry-go-round of pleasure. Like nothing I had ever experienced prior.

Nobody had ever done this for me. Not because I didn't want them to. They just didn't offer. UES boys couldn't be bothered to get their hands dirty, let alone their mouths.

My walls clenched, and I moaned his name. Over and over again. I threw my head back onto the pillow, the scents from his sheets engulfing me and adding to my bliss. I was a goner.

"Edward." I panted my breathless plea as I let go.

So this was what everyone was talking about.

SDSD

"Isabella!"

My heart was racing as I thought about the events from the night before. Blinking my eyes and coming out of my memory, I realized where I was once more.

The salesgirl—I think her name was Makenna—was frantically banging on the dressing room door.

"Ms. Swan, there are paparazzi outside."

I swung the door open and looked at the clerk and then to Alice.

Alice threw her hands up. "There goes my shopping day."

Clothes flew out of her dressing room as she shuffled around looking for her bag.

I needed to get out of here. Last thing I needed was another headline. A headline that Edward could see. If he saw it before I told him the truth, he would hate me forever.

"Come on." I pushed Alice toward the door. Our heels clacked on the floor as we hurried to the exit. I just wanted to be back in my Brooklyn bubble right about now.

"Hey! This vintage Alaia!" She shrieked, stomping her Jimmy Choo on the marble floor.

The salesgirl came running after us. "Ms. Swan!"

I spun around, raising my eyebrow in question.

"Don't go out the front. They are swarming the revolving doors. Let me take you out the back," she offered. She may have been a little shy but she was also very kind.

I smiled and followed her to the alternate exit, thankful for her desire to help. It was nice to know there were still good people in the city.

A/N: Sexy times;) Let me know what you think Bella's secret is! Thank you for the support:)