Bella

God, what the fuck am I doing? Who the hell do I think I am? I think Jasper 's personality is rubbing off on me. He's the out-there one in our duo who flirts with everyone. Bless him for having 'his ways' that get him out of every bit of trouble. I guess you could say my best friend is the bisexual bad boy every gender on earth falls on their knees for. I can't exactly blame them, either. He's the smartest and most loving person I know. But we're friends, always have been. And we don't tickle each other's fancy. It's too odd for that, we're like siblings instead of best friends.

When I tell him about this, about me, seducing the heck out of my neighbor, Jasper will most likely get a seizure, especially when he hears I've called him Daddy. It's not like me to go after men who are more than twice my age. Even if said neighbor doesn't even know how old I actually am. And I low-key love him without knowing him. He treats me like the adult that I am, that I've been for years.And I appreciate that.

My heart is racing. I think my heart rate is borderline dangerous right now, especially after I've also been running. P.E. isn't and has never been my forte. Combine that with being in the same room as Mr. Cullen, and him looking at me the way he is and you've got deadly. Very deadly.

"A kiss, chérie?" he asks me. I'm a fool for voices, and his? God, I get wet just by hearing Edward talk to me.

I nod. Yes, Daddy.

"You do know I'm a married man, don't you?" I nod, again. "But you don't care, do you, petite souris?" It's shy of a whisper, the husky timbre of his voice sending goosebumps all over my body. My clit throbs. "I bet you get off on knowing your sweet, little, innocent façade can seduce just about anyone." Edward licks his lips. I'm captivated by the tip of his tongue. "You're like a siren, honestly." His pretty green eyes glide over every inch of my face as if he's trying to analyze me.

"Afraid I'll wreck your ship?" I ask, my voice low, hinting at his marriage, his place here in society at what seems like the top of the food chain. It seems like rich people either have a thriving career or a happy marriage. It's never the both of them. It's the same with my mom. After my dad, she got a decent chunk of money since they didn't marry with a prenup, she has a well-performing event management business. But she's never even seriously dated anyone in seventeen years. I can't imagine spending the next almost-adult life alone. This reminds me that I have to set my mom up on some dates again. She's too young to be the eternal divorcée. Too pretty, too.

"My ship is already halfway on its way down to the bottom of the ocean, petite." I bite my lip at his answer, at the way his eyes burn through me, like Greek fire. Everything about Edward Cullen seems intense, impossible to compare to any other person.

"Only halfway?" I tease, getting closer, the tips of my sneakers touching his.

"Care to give it that last little push, then?" Jewel eyes smolder into my own. I wonder what happened that made him feel this way.

"Only if you want me to..." I whisper. "Only if you want to, Daddy."

"I can't keep a clear head when you call me that."

"I don't seduce just about anybody, you know." I smile, knowing that's the truth. I don't have a high number, honestly. There's been four guys, on four occasions. No relationship whatsoever.

Edward arches a brow. He looks...amused.

"I don't let myself get seduced, Bella. I've never done this before..."

My turn to be surprised. "No hot secretary who keeps you satisfied?"

"Why, are you looking for a job, sweetheart?"

I snort

"Sorry," I say suddenly, realizing what I'm doing. This isn't right. I'm not a home-wrecker, nor do I want to be one. "I don't know what it is about you..." I confess.

"I've been asking myself that same question since I saw you. What is it with you?" Edward shakes his head.

"How long has your ship been on its way to the abyss, to be swallowed whole by the ocean?" I wonder.

Edward lets out a humorless chuckle, running a hand through his hair. It looks more unruly than I've ever seen it through my window.

.

"Since its departure."

I blink. Wow.

"Then why did you set sail in the first place?" I know we both know what we're talking about. And these kinds of relationships have always fascinated me. They've been doomed since the start, yet they keep going.

Edward shrugs, letting out a loaded breath.

"My father always gets what he wants." It's an explanation that belongs somewhere in the seventeenth century.

"What," I start. "He wanted you to produce an heir to the throne, or something?" Another chuckle.

"Something like that," he admits.

"You're either royalty, or old money." I like this guessing game.

"Old money, sitting on the heirloom of generations of lawyers." It's like he trusts me, talking to me like this. In fact, it feels like we've known each other forever.

"Well, old money and royals do have something in common," I start.

"I'm sure you'll tell me all about them." His smile is lazy, lopsided and boyish. Charming.

"You know...the mistress they can be themselves with," I say casually, suddenly feeling feverishly warm.

"Bella," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. I reach on my tiptoes, my lips meeting his cheek, leaving a kiss that tastes like fire and sparks.

"Let me know if you ever want that kiss," I whisper. "I'll be waiting, Daddy."

I walk past him, out the back door, down the street. It's only when I bend my knee to take the steps up our porch that I realize I'm still bleeding. My eyes find Edward's house, and I wonder if he'll be as impatient as I will be, waiting.

For the curious kitten who asked if Soft Launch will update: yes. I don't have a timeframe but I'll update. As I always do.

Xo