*Please note that there are lemons in this chapter

Fourteen

Silent Wait

BPOV

The apartment felt eerily quiet as I sat on the couch, my legs curled beneath me, waiting for Edward to arrive. Rosalie had left earlier for her date, leaving me with an unsettling silence that only amplified the thoughts swirling in my head. The conversation with my dad still weighed heavily on me, the gravity of what I was doing making my chest tighten with guilt and uncertainty.

I glanced at the clock, my nerves prickling with anticipation. I had texted Edward earlier, inviting him over, and now I was alone with my thoughts, wondering if this was the right thing to do. But every time doubt tried to creep in, I pushed it away, reminding myself of the connection we'd been building—something that felt real, even if it was complicated.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew it was him before I even opened the door. Taking a deep breath, I stood up, smoothing down my clothes as I walked over to let him in. I'd opted for sweatpants and a singlet. I was comfortable enough around him now.

When I opened the door, there he was—Edward, looking as striking as ever, his eyes immediately locking onto mine. For a moment, we just stood there, the air between us thick with unspoken words. Then, without a word, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

As Edward stepped inside, I felt the familiar flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves that I couldn't quite shake. We exchanged a small, knowing smile before I led him to the kitchen where dinner was already waiting.

"I hope you're hungry," I said, trying to keep my voice light as I busied myself with setting the table. "I made pasta."

Edward chuckled softly as he took a seat. "I'm always hungry when it comes to you."

I blushed at the compliment, feeling that warmth between us grow. As we settled into our meal, the conversation started off easy enough, the usual banter and light teasing that had become our norm.

"So," I began after a few bites, curiosity getting the better of me, "how was your day? Anything exciting at work?"

Edward wiped his mouth with a napkin before leaning back in his chair, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "It was… eventful, to say the least. I've been working on some new blueprints, trying to refine a few designs. But there was this discrepancy in the numbers—something that didn't sit right with me. I had to call Tanya in to explain it."

"And?" I prompted, genuinely interested.

"She was convincing," Edward admitted, though there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "But I'm still not entirely sure. There's something off about the whole situation."

I reached across the table, placing my hand over his. "I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're too meticulous not to."

I make a mental note. It's another strike against this Tanya bitch.

He gave me a small, appreciative smile before his gaze turned more serious. "What about you? How did your meeting with your dad go?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of my father's words pressing down on me again. "It was… intense. He's really worried about me, about us. He saw the news about the merger and, well, he's just being a concerned father."

Edward's expression softened, and he nodded understandingly. "I get that. Mergers can be messy, and I can see why he'd be worried."

"I told him you're handling everything," I added, squeezing his hand. "But, you know, he's just looking out for me."

Edward gave me a small, appreciative smile, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Bella. That means a lot."

We finished dinner in a comfortable silence, but my mind was still racing. Charlie's warning echoed in my thoughts, and the mention of Tanya earlier today hadn't escaped me. Something was off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than Edward was letting on. But until I knew more, I had to keep my suspicions to myself.

After dinner, we moved to the lounge, settling onto the couch together. I convinced Edward to watch this ridiculous show where people get engaged without ever seeing each other. At first, he rolled his eyes, clearly skeptical, but after about twenty minutes, he was surprisingly invested.

"This is so stupid," he muttered, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice as he watched the drama unfold on the screen.

"I know," I laughed, nudging him playfully. "But it's also kind of addictive, right?"

He chuckled, draping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer. "Maybe a little."

We sat there, cuddled up on the couch, laughing at the absurdity of the show and making sarcastic comments about the contestants. It felt easy, natural, like we were just any normal couple spending a night together. The realisation of how comfortable we'd become with each other made my heart ache in the best way.

As the show continued, I couldn't help but wonder out loud, "Do you think… I could call you my boyfriend?"

Edward turned to look at me, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Boyfriend?" he repeated, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment, suddenly unsure of myself. "I mean… if you want to. It just feels like… well, like that's what we are."

Edward didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at me with those deep, thoughtful eyes of his. Then, slowly, he reached out and took my hand, threading his fingers through mine. "Bella, I want that. I really do."

My heart skipped a beat. "You do?"

"Yeah," he said softly, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand. "I've been thinking about it, actually. About us, and what this is. And the truth is… you make me want things I haven't wanted in a long time."

I felt my breath catch at his words, the sincerity in his voice making my heart swell. "Edward…"

He smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my forehead. "So, yes. I'd like to be your boyfriend, if you'll have me."

I couldn't help the wide grin that spread across my face. "I think I'd like that very much."

Edward chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked at me. "You know," he began, a teasing lilt in his voice, "if you really want to make it official, you're supposed to ask me through a wall."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a grin. "Through a wall?"

"Yeah," he said, his smile widening. "You know, like those people on the show. It's the proper way to do it."

I laughed, shaking my head at his playful tone. "Oh, is that so? You want me to find a wall and ask you to be my boyfriend?"

Edward nodded, his expression serious but his eyes sparkling with humour. "Absolutely. I'll only accept the title if you follow the rules."

I rolled my eyes, unable to keep the smile off my face. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Maybe," he admitted, his grin turning into a smirk. "But I'm your impossible boyfriend now, aren't I?"

Before I could respond, he reached out and started tickling my sides, making me squeal in surprise. "Edward! Stop!" I laughed, trying to squirm away from him, but he was relentless, his fingers finding all the ticklish spots he'd already discovered.

"You've got to ask me properly!" he teased, his voice light as he continued his playful assault. "Through a wall, Bella!"

I was laughing so hard I could barely catch my breath, trying to push his hands away, but he just kept going. "Okay, okay!" I managed to gasp out between giggles. "You win! I'll find a wall!"

Edward finally stopped, both of us breathless and grinning at each other. The playful mood lingered in the air between us, but it quickly shifted into something more as we locked eyes. The closeness, the way our bodies were pressed together—it all started to change the energy in the room.

"You know if we talk through a wall there's one downside," he whispers, eyes intense.

"What's that?" I ask, biting my lip, feeling him press closer against me.

"I can't kiss you," he whispers.

"That is true," I nod, "maybe you could just use the wall for other things."

"I don't need a wall," he shakes his head, "looking for that wastes my time."

"From what?" I tilt my head

"This," he pushes me back so I'm laying on the couch, he's on top of me before I can blink, mouth crashing into mine.

He catches my gasp with his lips, before deepening the kiss. Greedy and desperate hands travel up my thigh, my hip. He fits to me like a glove as he memorises my curves. When he breaks the kiss to give me air, his mouth continues its assault down my chin and neck. Leaving nibbles and sweet kisses, sure to leave some sort of mark.

"Oh god," I gasp out.

He hums with pleasure, hands moving to work on the drawstring of my pants.

"You know, the dresses and the blouses have been sensational but seeing you like this. In your slacks. It's insanely hot," he mutters into my skin, "not to mention how incredible your ass looks in these."

His hand tightened around my skin, pressing through the fabric of my pants with a pleasurable force. It felt like a physical manifestation of his frustration and determination to prove his point.

"My girlfriend's ass," he chuckles, lighting me on fire from within.

I cross my arms and give him a pout, hoping to elicit sympathy. He towers over me, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You know I can't resist teasing you, my Beauty" he says with a smile, reaching out to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear.

I roll my eyes but can't hide the smile that creeps onto my face as he winks at me.

I bite my lip, loving the nickname choice. His beauty.

My beast.

"Don't bite your lip," he shakes his head.

"Why?" My head tilts.

Leaning down he captures my mouth with his for a quick, passionate kiss. "Because it doesn't really intense things to me," he admits.

"You think that's a reason for me to stop," my hands trace a dangerous line up his chest, "if that's all it takes I'll bite my lips off."

"Oh but I need them for all of my plans," he says.

"What plans?" Lazily my fingers open one of the buttons I had targeted last time we were entangled this way.

"I could tell you. But I would prefer to show you," he practically purrs.

A fire blazed within me, ignited by his touch and fueled by the electricity pulsing through my body. The intensity of desire was overwhelming, coursing through every inch of my being. I longed for him, craved him with a primal need that couldn't be ignored. Every fiber of my being throbbed with anticipation, each moment of delay feeling like an eternity. All I wanted was to give in, to succumb to the overwhelming pull towards him. Every plea to wait or interruption only heightened my urgency, stoking the flames of desire even higher.

"I'm all yours," I whisper the works that unlocks the final bolt holding him back.

Within minutes, between kisses and caresses, we have each other near naked. My bra and panties (thank fuck I made them match), his boxer shorts. His eyes drink me in with a silent appreciation. I was under his microscope. While normally I'd shy away from that, he made me feel empowered.

"Good god I'm going to enjoy this," he springs forward to kiss me, laying himself atop of me, his weight welcomed by my body.

"Hmmm," I hum.

"May I touch you?" He asks.

"You fucking better," I warn.

The warm, rich sound of our laughter fills the room, a sweet reward for the intimacy we share. But as much as I am enjoying this moment with him, I can't help but crave his touch on my skin. He reads my mind and pulls my bra up, exposing my breasts to his hungry gaze. His lips trace delicate patterns across my skin, leaving fiery trails in their wake. My nipple hardens under his skilled tongue, sending electric waves of pleasure straight to my core.

"Edward," I moan, arching my back, "that feels incredible."

"I couldn't agree more," he murmurs against my skin, "you're even sexier than I imagined, baby. Your breasts are simply magnificent."

My heart swells with joy as he cups them in his hands, fitting them perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. He squeezes and teases them, giving me verbal praise between each kiss and nibble. It's like watching a boy in a playground, exploring and reveling in every inch of me. I've never had anyone worship my body in such a way before - it's like he sees me as his own personal religion.

"I need you," I plead, "I need you so badly."

"Where?" His fingers dance at my panty line.

"You know where," my eyes narrow at him, filled with lust.

"I do, but I like it when you talk dirty," his encouragement is enough to turn me into a person I never am.

My voice drips with lust and demand as I grab his hand and guide it down to the waistband of my panties. "Tear them off, now," I growl, unable to contain my desire any longer.

He grins mischievously and begins to slowly peel the fabric down my legs, teasing me with his deliberate slowness. I try to push his hands faster, but he remains unfazed by my impatience.

"Edward Cullen," I moan in both frustration and arousal, my need for him growing wilder by the second.

"Use your words, my beauty," he chuckles seductively, finally removing my panties and tossing them over his shoulder. My legs fall open, revealing how ready I am for him.

"Take me," I gasp, my breathing heavy with anticipation. His eyes lock onto mine, his own desire evident as he fights for control.

"Tell me what you want," he groans, his voice strained with restraint.

"I want you to fuck me," I whisper desperately, barely able to contain myself any longer. He leans in closer, his own desperation matching mine.

With a fierce hunger in his eyes, he plunges into me without hesitation. The feeling of him filling me sends shockwaves of pleasure through my body as we become lost in a primal dance of desire.

"Fucking hell," he mutters under his breath, "you're so fucking beautiful. You're perfect."

He was bigger than what I had experienced previously. He also was more experienced too. Not that my experience was vast. Despite that it's as if he fit perfectly to me.

My eyes squeeze tight as my brain tries to figure out what to do with the pleasure.

"Are you okay?" He asks.

"I'm dying from how amazing you feel," I mutter, "dildo manufacturers would love you."

For a heartbeat I worry I've wrecked the moment, when he bursts out laughing. His head dips down into the crook of my shoulder and neck, his thrusts beginning at a slow and casual pace.

"A compliment that any man would respect," he muffles into my neck, "but honestly you're perfection too. You're tight, wet and all for me. Is that how I make you feel?"

"Yes," I grunt out as he fills more and more of me, "oh fuck yes."

Edward's mouth is usually sharp, strict and unrelenting. But to know that with me, in this compromised position, he was more than that. He was nurturing, sweet and my god he was dirty. I was in a state of euphoric pleasure as I tried to match his thrusts, as I tried to make him pick up pace.

"Are you trying to ask me something?" He stills, his body hovering over mine as his intense gaze bores into mine. "Remember, you have to ask me. I'm a very direct guy."

I roll my eyes, unable to resist the teasing banter with him.

"Oh no," he gasps dramatically, "did you just roll your eyes at me?"

A playful alarm fills my body as I realize what I've done. "Maybe," I reply coyly, meeting his challenging stare.

"Oh baby," he shakes his head with a chuckle, "that simply won't do."

I can feel the heat rising between us as he pushes my legs back, exposing me further to him. "Are you going to fire me or something, Mister CEO?" I ask with a mischievous twinkle in my eye.

His response is a low growl as he leans down to kiss me fervently. "Oh, you're going to wish that's all I'll do," he whispers against my lips before moving down to place kisses along my jawline and neck. "If you want me to fuck you senseless, all you have to do is ask, baby." His words send shivers down my spine.

"But if you want me to fuck you so hard that you see stars-" He pauses to meet my gaze, a hint of dominance and desire flashing in his eyes. "Well then, all you have to do is roll those beautiful eyes at me."

Before I can even respond, he's already moving. And he's moving in an unforgiving, rough way that brings out primal sounds from deep within me. With each thrust, weeks of pent-up flirtation and tension unravel within our frantic movements. He fucks me into galaxies I'd never even seen in my world of pleasure. Our bodies move together in a dance of passion until we both explode in ecstasy - lost in a universe of our own creation.

I don't need to beg him to move faster or harder because he does it when I need him to. Like he can already read my signals. Sweat beads at his forehead as he concentrates, looking down between us so he hits the target each and every time with his perfectly calculated thrusts. We're a choir of moans and slapping skin. Our symphony speared between hot kisses and his fingers occasionally finding my clit. This man is everything every woman dreams off when it comes to sex.

My climax builds. I try to hold it back. I don't want this to end.

"Don't you fucking dare," he growls out, "don't you hold back."

"I don't want this to end," I moan out, "it's so… ah!."

My leg goes up and over his shoulder. My answer giving him motivation to crack me.

"Cum," he instructs.

"Not yet," I squeeze my eyes shut.

"You are so stubborn," he laughs out, without humour, just pure, hot lust, "I'm going to win baby."

"No," I shake my head.

"Oh yea?" He pulls out of me.

I cry out at the instant loss of him.

"No. Come back," I whimper, "please."

"Having you beg is so hot," he sits up and pulls me with him, "you want more?"

"What do you think?" I borderline snap at him, irritated.

He's unbothered by my attitude, pulling me to stand with him. I squeal as he lifts me, up into his arms. In my haze I can't piece together his actions. But my back hits something cold and hard.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"I'm taking inspiration from your dumb show," he pushes into me, holding me up against the wall, "I'm using the wall to get you where I want you. My girlfriend screaming my name as she cums - while showing you my intended use for a wall."

My eyes roll once again.

"Didn't we have this chat?" His eyes flash with a sexual challenge.

A sly grin creeps onto my lips as his hand smacks against my ass, the sharp sting sending a thrill through me. He positions himself behind me, ready to deliver a delicious mix of pleasure and pain. And then he unleashes it all upon me. His body presses hard against mine, driving me forward until I see stars against the wall.

My voice echoes off the walls as I scream his name in ecstasy. It's unstoppable, this orgasm that tears through me like a volcano erupting. I pulse and throb in his arms, completely consumed by him. And he too reaches his climax with a whispered warning, holding me tight against his chest.

Exhausted and spent, we collapse onto the ground, sliding down the wall in a messy tangle of limbs. It's just like that first night after our first date, when everything seemed so new and exciting.

Now I'm straddling his lap, my arms wrapped around his neck while our chests press together. We sit there in silence for a moment, listening to each other breathe heavily as we come down from our high.

"Can we do that again?" I whisper breathlessly.

He stiffens beneath me, caught off guard by my question. But before he can answer, I continue.

"If I have to roll my eyes in frustration, I will," I warn playfully.

His surprise melts into wonder and amazement as he looks at me.

"You want to go again?" he asks incredulously.

I nod with a mischievous smirk on my face, knowing that my hunger for more is mirrored in his own desires.

Thanks so much x