NINETEEN
Edward grins, revealing those perfect teeth. Before his expression turns serious.
"Do you have any questions? Anything you want to ask now it's just us?" he asks, sitting on the edge of the bed beside me, shirt open.
I bite my lip, considering his question. There's so much I want to know, so many things left unsaid between us. But in this moment, with Edward's cool skin so close to mine, only one question burns in my mind.
"Why me?" I whisper, my voice barely audible. "Out of all the people in the world, why did you choose me?"
Edward's golden eyes soften as he gazes at me. He reaches out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch sends shivers down my spine.
"Bella," he says, his velvet voice low and intense. "You are the most fascinating, beautiful, infuriating creature I've ever encountered in all my years. You awaken parts of me I thought were long dead. It's you because anyone else would be the wrong fit for my heart. I love you and I'll spend every waking minute proving to you I do."
"What happens now? I didn't think I'd ever meet royalty let alone be dating one," I shake my head.
"I know," he tucks my hair behind my ear, "have you spoken to your parents?"
"I'm too scared to. My mother warned me about this," I say.
"Call her," he nods to my phone, "she's probably worried sick."
I reach for my phone, my hand trembling slightly. Edward's right, of course. My mom must be frantic by now. I take a deep breath and dial her number, steeling myself for the inevitable barrage of questions.
"Bella? Oh my God, Bella! Where have you been? Are you okay?" My mother's voice crackles through the speaker, a mix of relief and panic.
"I'm fine, Mom. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. I... I've been a little preoccupied," I say, glancing at Edward. He gives me an encouraging nod.
"Preoccupied? Bella, what's going on? The news is saying all sorts of crazy things about you and... and..."
"Prince Edward," I finish for her. "I'm safe. He sent a security team for me. I'm with him now."
There's a long pause on the other end of the phone.
"Right now?" she asks.
"Yeah," I glance at him.
"Is he that handsome in person?" she whispers.
I can't help but laugh, feeling some of the tension dissipate. "You've seen him on TV."
"That's different!" she protests. "I want to know what he's like in person."
I look at Edward, who's listening intently with an amused expression. "Yes. He's very handsome. And kind. And..." I trail off, not sure how to describe everything I feel about him.
"Oh, Bella," my mom sighs. "I always knew you were special, but this... this is beyond anything I could have imagined. Are you happy?"
I pause, considering her question. Am I happy? The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions - excitement, fear, passion, uncertainty. But underneath it all, there's a sense of rightness I can't ignore.
"Yeah. I am," I say softly.
"I just hate this for you. I want you to be in love without fearing for your safety," she says, "your father is absolutely losing his mind. I had to talk him down from getting on a plane."
I close my eyes, imagining my dad's reaction. Charlie, the stoic police chief, pacing around the living room, probably muttering about background checks and royal security protocols.
"Tell Dad I'm okay," I say, my voice catching slightly. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise I'm safe."
Edward reaches out and squeezes my hand reassuringly. I squeeze back, grateful for his silent support.
"I'll try to calm him down," she says, her voice softening. "But Bella, you need to understand how worried we've been. One minute you're living your normal life, the next you're caught up in some kind of fairy tale romance with a prince. It's... it's a lot to process."
"I know. I'm still processing it myself," I admit. "But I need you to trust me. Edward isn't just some prince to me. He's… he's everything."
I hear my mother take a deep breath on the other end of the line. "Oh honey," she says softly. "I can hear it in your voice. You really do care, don't you?"
"I do," I whisper, looking at Edward. His eyes are fixed on me, filled with an intensity that makes my heart race.
"Just... be careful, okay?" she says. "This isn't going to be easy. The media, the royal family, the expectations... it's a lot to handle."
"I know," I reply.
Edward's lips curve into a smile at my words, and he leans in to press a soft kiss to my temple.
"Alright, sweetheart," she sighs. "I trust you. Just keep in touch, please? And tell that prince of yours that if he breaks your heart no security in the world will stop me from ripping his dick off."
I can't help but burst out laughing at my mom's threat, nearly dropping the phone. Edward raises an eyebrow, clearly having overheard.
"Mother!" I exclaim, trying to stifle my giggles. "I'll, uh, be sure to pass that message along."
"Good," she says firmly. "I love you, Bella. Stay safe."
"Love you too," I reply before ending the call.
I turn to Edward, who's wearing an expression of amused concern. "So," he says casually, "I believe I have a message from your mother?"
I feel my cheeks burning as I relay my mom's colourful threat. To my surprise, Edward throws his head back and laughs, a rich, melodious sound that fills the room.
"Well," he says, still chuckling, "I suppose I'll have to be very cautious. Your heart is safe in my hands."
I lean back into the pillows watching him.
"Has this happened before? With your other girlfriends?" I ask.
Edward's laughter fades, and his expression turns more serious. He looks at me intently, his golden eyes searching mine.
"Bella," he says softly, "there haven't been any other girlfriends. Not like this."
I feel my breath catch in my throat. "What do you mean?"
He takes my hand in his, his cool fingers intertwining with mine. "I've had... relationships, if you can call them that. Public appearances, carefully orchestrated dates. But nothing real. Nothing that mattered."
I swallow hard, trying to process this information. "So, I'm..."
"The first," he finishes for me. "The first woman I've truly cared for. The first I've wanted to protect, to cherish." His voice drops to a whisper. "The first I've loved."
My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest. "Edward," I take his hand, "you're so sweet."
"Hmm but I can be spicy too," he leans over me, placing a kiss on the corner of my lips.
I feel a shiver run through me at his words and the feather-light touch of his lips. My breath catches as he hovers over me, his scent intoxicating.
"Oh really?" I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "And just how spicy can you be, Your Highness?"
Edward's eyes darken with desire, and a mischievous grin spreads across his face. "Would you like me to show you?"
Without waiting for an answer, he captures my lips in a searing kiss. His cool hands slide up my arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as I pull him closer.
When we finally break apart, both of us breathing heavily, I can't help but smile. "I think I'm starting to get the idea," I tease.
Edward chuckles, the sound low and enticing. "Oh, Bella," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. "I'm just getting started."
