Chapter 11

I could feel Alice's legs wrap tighter around me, desperately searching for more contact. It was amazing to think I might have the same effect on her as she had on me, like a surreal dream. My hands moved higher to caress the soft skin of her neck. I let my hands venture through her soft raven-black hair, massaging her scalp. I deepened the kiss, wanting to taste more of her sweet mouth, letting my tongue lavish hers.

The aching need growing between my legs was reaching a peak. My hands explored the contours of Alice's back. With a groan, Alice tugged at my hair, almost to the point of pain.

"I'm not sure how much more I can take," I gasped, "Not without—" I eyed the material of her dress, my mouth watering.

She broke away from me, leaning back so she could meet my gaze. I immediately missed the warmth of her body. "Hmmm, my apologies. I tend to get a little lost with you."

Alice's face was flushed—endearingly so. Her usually pale cheeks were dusted with color. Even the tip of her nose and ears were pink. Her eyes were both dark with desire and alight with an emotion I was unfamiliar with. I was struck with the sudden desire to know what she was thinking—to understand what she was feeling.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, still breathless.

"You." Alice grinned, her eyes sparkling.

I frowned, "What about me?"

"How you feel soo…" She took in a breath, "Perfect."

My stomach fluttered from the sensual way her words sounded.

"You don't wish you were sitting on someone else? Perhaps a boy?" I wondered.

Alice grimaced. She shook her head, as if trying to clear away the mental image. "No," she tightened her legs around my hips as if to hold me in place, and it had the side effect of jump-starting my already excited libido. "You're the only one who makes me feel this good."

My heart fluttered again. I wanted to believe her. Her piercing blue eyes were so steady and sure. But I just couldn't see how. We had just met a few weeks ago, and yet, here she was, sitting on my lap with her hands against my chest. I'm sure there are tons of more qualified men and women who would line up to have Alice, so why would she choose me have the pleasure of her time and affection? A sixteen-year-old artichoke farmer? I was a joke.

I opened my mouth to protest—but Alice cut me off.

She placed her finger on my lips. "Don't you dare try to tell me that you're not good enough."

I blinked in disbelief. How did she know I was about to tell her that?

"It's true." I mumbled against her finger. She shivered from the warm movement of my lips.

"You're wrong." She said, her eyes determined. "I want you to stop seeing yourself as unworthy."

I didn't understand this girl. There was no worthwhile appeal for her to spend time with me. But, I would not argue it further. Part of me was afraid she would realize it soon, and I wanted to enjoy her while I still could.

I sighed in defeat. "Whatever you want, Alice."

A wicked glint crossed her eyes and she smiled. "Whatever I want?"

I groaned. This girl was going to be the death of me. "Of course," I eyed her warily, "What do you want?"

She gave me a feigned pout. "Why do you look so suspicious?"

"Because I'm scared you'll want to play dress up again." I said, terrified.

Her eyes widened in offence, "You don't like dress-up?" Her pout grew.

"I do, but…"

"But?" She raised an eyebrow.

How was I going to break it to her that it just wasn't my thing? And avoid her wrath and guilt trips?

Alice didn't wait for me to respond. "I was thinking you liked it…" She slid her hands up the hem of my shirt. I gasped when her hands made contact with my bare skin.

"Why don't we play right now?" She whispered seductively. I shuddered when her hands explored the panes of my stomach. "God Bella," Alice gasped, "how are you so… fit?" She raked her fingers over the firm muscles of my core. My body jerked involuntarily underneath her. The teasing was too much, I would combust soon if she didn't stop.

"Alice!" I groaned. "You're killing me."

Alice chuckled. "You won't die." She continued her teasing, pushing her hands up and around my back, exploring the muscles of my back. It was such sweet torture. Her touch was driving me insane. I wanted to throw her on the bed right now, but that would probably frighten her.

Without warning, she raked her nails down my back, hard, and an explosion of teasing pain and pleasure washed through me.

I yelped and shuddered, grabbing one of her elbows to stop her. She had no idea she almost made me come.

I was learning new, and surprising, things about Alice. She was twenty-one years old. She was also a bit of a sadist, apparently.

"Fuck!" I whined. "I hate it when you do that thing with your nails."

"No," she said with a sexy and triumphant grin on her face, "You love it."

I did love it, more than I should. But I didn't want to let her win so easily, especially when she was being exceptionally mean with her teasing. I tried to keep a straight face, despite the unbearable throbbing between my legs.

The orange light streaming through the window caught my attention. It couldn't be later than late afternoon, but daylight hours were getting shorter and shorter with the change of seasons. I needed to get back to the farm before nightfall.

I moaned in displeasure. How had the weekend gone by so fast?

"What's wrong?" Alice asked.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Alice spoke first. "No, you can't leave!" she protested, "You haven't even had dinner yet."

I blinked for a moment. How was she reading my mind? "I have to. Once night falls, the bandits will be out and about. It's too dangerous to wait."

"Then stay the night again." She was pouting again, and the heartbreaking expression tore at my chest.

"I can't. Charlie needs me." I tried to stand, I couldn't bear to see her pleading face.

She hung on to my neck as I stood and dangled against my body, unable to reach the floor. She was surprisingly very light. It was hard to get annoyed with her clingy behavior, she was far too cute. And it was distracting. With her body hanging against mine, it would be very easy to wrap her legs around my hips and push her against the wall and—

I shook my head to clear the assault of mental images. I couldn't think about that if I wanted to convince myself to go home.

I used my good hand to pry her small fingers from around my neck. With a sigh, she released her grip. I bent my knees as she slid down, trying to minimize the distance between her the floor.

"Let me come with you." She demanded.

I laughed. She couldn't be serious. Alice? Come with me to the farm? That was a hilarious idea. I doubt the rich and pampered Alice Cullen would survive a day in the Swan's run down farm without the luxuries of running water, insulated walls, sealed walls that kept the bugs out, decent food, and toiletries.

Alice's eyes narrowed at my laughter.

"I'm serious." Alice growled.

My chuckle dissipated when I took in her face. She did look serious. Uh-oh.

"I don't think you would be comfortable there." I frowned at the prospect. "We don't have much there. Not even running water."

"I think I'll survive. And besides, you'll need help. You can't do much with that arm."

My frown turned into a grimace. I couldn't imagine the beautiful and pristine Alice shoveling manure, feeding pigs, or plowing the ground. I wasn't sure she could even lift the shovel. "Alice, it's not the kind of work you are suited for."

"Excuse me, are you saying you don't think I can do it?" she placed her hands on her hips and stared me down.

That's exactly what I thought, not that I'd ever tell her that if I valued my life. I backtracked, "No, not that you can't, but you don't want to." I waved my good hand in the air, "I mean it's really hard and dirty labor. Trust me."

She raised an eyebrow, "And if I want to?"

"You don't, it's really dangerous. Heavy lifting, angry animals, I don't want you anywhere near those things. Your family would kill me if something happened."

"So you're afraid of retribution? Not to worry, they know I can take care of myself. And if something does happen, I'll warn them not to avenge my murder." She winked at me.

I was too horrified to laugh at her joke. Panic was rising in me. "Seriously. Don't you have school?"

She threw me an incredulous look. "I'm twenty-one, remember? I'm done with secondary school, and have my Art Degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. No more school necessary."

My god, she was a college graduate too? That gap between us just kept getting bigger and bigger. Now I definitely could not let her participate in peasant work.

"What about work, then?"

"I'm trying to start my own fashion line. Rosalie is helping me out, but she's been busy, so there's no rush."

That was news to me. "Really? That's great. Do you design and make clothing?" I asked excitedly, hoping to distract her.

"No changing the subject." She growled.

Damn, it didn't work. She was stubborn.

"Look Alice I really think-"

"Oooh! Carlisle is home!" She spun towards the door. "I'll tell him that I'm staying with you this week, and it's settled." She bounded out the door.

I stood there stupidly, with my arm outstretched and jaw hanging open. Did she just disregard everything I said? But moreover, how did she know her father had just arrived home? I didn't hear a thing.

I had barely recovered my stance when Alice darted back into the room, an eager smile on her face. "Alright, I told him we're going. I'm going to pack—"

"Alice!" I groaned in horror. This would not end well. The last thing I wanted to do was take my fantasy crush home to a run-down farm. Nothing would scare her away faster than the smell of manure and, pigs, dogs, and dirt.

"Don't worry, it'll work out fine. Your father's going to love me, I can see it already." She zoomed around the room, stuffing clothes and various items into a bag.

"Wow. Cocky." I murmured, annoyed.

She ignored my retort and continued to get ready. My stomach lurched into my chest when she took off her dress in one swift motion, revealing the smooth skin of her back, small—but definite curves, and lacy black underwear. No bra. The rush of heat came soon after, making my knees weak. There was nothing more delectable than seeing her nearly naked. I wanted to reach out and touch her, feel her silky skin, and remove the last remaining garment… but before my imagination could run too wild, she was pulling a sweater over her head, dressing in something warmer and more practical for the journey.

She looked back at my awe-struck expression, and gave a wink. "Like what you saw?"

I growled at her.

She laughed her tinkling laugh.

She darted into the closet and came forth with another bag. Soon, she was ready to go, and we headed outside.

"Are you sure?" I asked her as she stepped into the wagon, hanging on to the hope—and fear—that she changed her mind.

"Absolutely." She confirmed, settling her bottom on top of a sack of feed.

I immediately felt guilty. She looked so out of place in the shabby wooden wagon. She was so clean and perfect—the two things simply didn't belong. I laughed to myself when I realized it was probably a good analogy for what we might look standing next to each other.

I commanded Firerain home. He enthusiastically complied, trotting lightheartedly onto the path. The ride started out smoothly—too smoothly. Firerain was taking extra care to avoid bumps and bushes. And his strut was more graceful than usual. That damn mule was trying to make a good impression on Alice. I leaned over the wagon, over Firerain's fury head. "Sorry buddy," I told him, "She already mine."

He made a snuffling sound in response, clearly not convinced.

"Are you talking to your mule?" Alice asked with a raised brow.

"Yes," I grinned at her, "Is that a problem?"

"It's… weird."

I laughed menacingly. "Then maybe you should have thought twice before letting a psycho take you home with them."

"It's alright." Her lips quirked up into a smile. "This psycho is incredibly sexy." Her eyes raked over my body.

Heat rushed into my face. I swear I could feel her eyes on me, lingering on my legs and torso, filled with unmistakable desire. I tried to hide the own desire rising up to answer hers, but my body gave an involuntary shudder.

She chuckled at my reaction.

I turned the other way to hide my blush—only to startle at my own reflection on Heaven Tear's lake. The waters rippled even though the evening was unusually still. My reflection stared back at me, brown eyes wide and confused. But there was something strange about Firerain's reflection. His reddish brown-fur was distorted in the rippling waters, making it look like there were two Firerains on the path.

I stared down more intently at the water, trying to identify the two swirling images of red and brown. One blob was definitely Frierain, but the other was not the same image. I squinted harder, trying to make out the other blob in the water's surface. It wasn't a mule at all, but seemed more canine. A wolf.

Panic overcame me. I spun around to the shady trees behind us, my eyes searching frantically for the wolf. But there was nothing there but trees and shade.

Alice jumped from my sudden alert. "What's wrong?"

"Err…" I looked again, double checking the vacant trees. I swore I just saw the reflection of something large and wolf-like.

"Bella?" Panic entered her voice. "What is it?"

"Nothing, I thought I saw—" I swallowed, looking towards the water once more, but we had traveled too far from it to see the reflection on the surface. "There's nothing, sorry I scared you."

I settled back down next to Alice. "Don't scare me like that." She grumbled.

"Sorry." I put my good arm around her and pulled her into a protective embrace. Just in case the wolf came back.