AN: Thank you for your reviews! I am trying to reply to them :) I really appreciate feedback and what you all think.

Now, this will be the only warning, but this is an M-rated story, and it gets preeeeetty M-rated in this chapter... this is the good kind of tension, folks. See you at the bottom...

The hospital room was a sterile mix of pale walls, buzzing monitors, and the faint antiseptic scent that seemed to cling to everything. A small bouquet of bright yellow daisies sat on the bedside table, their cheerful appearance a stark contrast to the somber mood. Autumn sat propped up in bed, her small hands clutching a stuffed rabbit with worn fur. Her dark hair was brushed back into neat braids, and though her face was still pale and her eyes red-rimmed from crying, she sat quietly as the CPS worker, a kind-looking woman named Jenna, read softly from a picture book.

The words of the story faded as Bella and Edward gently knocked on the doorframe before stepping into the room. Jenna looked up, her expression softening when she saw them.

"Oh, hello," she said warmly, closing the book. "Autumn, these are two of the detectives who helped find you."

Autumn's big brown eyes shifted toward the pair, her grip on the stuffed rabbit tightening. She didn't say anything at first, her gaze cautious but curious.

Bella stepped closer, her voice gentle. She gave her a tiny, comforting smile. "Hi, Autumn. I'm Bella, and this is Edward."

Autumn tilted her head slightly, studying Bella intently. Then her small voice, quiet and certain, broke the silence. "You saved me?"

Bella's breath hitched, and she crouched down beside the bed so she was eye-level with the little girl. "I was the one who came down to get you, yes. But it wasn't just me. There were so many people helping to make sure you were safe."

Autumn nodded slowly, her tiny fingers stroking the rabbit's ears. "I remember being really cold," she said softly. "And then nothing." Her eyes darted back to Bella, then Edward, a mixture of gratitude and sadness welling in them. "Thank you for doing that. I'm just… really sad, though." There was a pause before she added, almost in a whisper, "They... told me my mommy isn't coming back." As she said the words, her small frame seemed to shrink further into the bed.

Edward swallowed thickly and crouched down beside Bella, his presence steady and reassuring. "It's okay to be sad, Autumn," he said gently. "And it's okay to miss your mom. She loved you so much, and that love doesn't go away. It's always with you."

Autumn's lips pressed together, her little face scrunching as tears welled up in her eyes. "Yeah. I miss her so much already," she whispered.

Bella felt her throat tighten, but she managed a small, sad smile. "I know. I know you do. And it's okay to feel that way. You don't have to be strong all the time."

Autumn nodded, her lip quivering slightly before she pressed her face into the rabbit's soft fur.

Edward watched her quietly for a moment. He could feel the depth of her loss in the way she clung to her rabbit, her tiny fingers gripping it like she was afraid it'd disappear, too. He knew words weren't enough, not really, but he had to try.

"Autumn," Edward began gently, "Do you know what's special about bunnies like yours?"

Autumn blinked, her lips pressing into a thin line as she looked down at the rabbit. "No," she whispered.

Edward leaned closer, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well, you see, bunnies are actually secret superheroes."

Autumn's brow furrowed slightly, and her eyes flicked back up to him, a tiny glimmer of curiosity breaking through the sadness. "Superheroes?" she repeated softly.

Edward nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. They're very brave, just like you. And whenever you hug them really tight, they give you a little bit of their courage. It's their superpower."

Autumn tilted her head, her fingers stroking the rabbit's ears thoughtfully. "Really?"

"Really," Edward said, his tone conspiratorial. "But they also have another secret—they love jokes. They're terrible at telling them, though. So they need someone to help."

The faintest hint of a smile touched Autumn's lips. "Like what kind of jokes?"

"Well…" Edward pretended to think for a moment, his expression serious. "What do you call a bunny who's really smart?"

Autumn hesitated, then shrugged, the tiniest giggle escaping her. "What?"

"A hare-brain," Edward said with a grin, leaning back as if he'd just shared the greatest punchline in history.

Autumn giggled again, this time a little louder, her small shoulders shaking with the effort. Even Bella couldn't help but smile, the warmth of the moment adding much needed levity.

"Do another!" Autumn demanded, her voice soft but insistent, her eyes brighter now.

Edward feigned exasperation, shaking his head dramatically. "Alright, alright. What's a bunny's favorite music?"

Autumn's little nose scrunched in thought. "I don't know."

"Hip-hop," Edward said, his voice dropping into an exaggerated tone.

This time, Autumn's laugh was full and genuine, a sound that made Bella's throat tighten. It was a glimpse of the little girl who'd been buried under so much grief, a spark of joy amid her sadness.

"You're so silly," Autumn said, her voice lighter.

Edward feigned offense, clutching his chest. "Silly? Me? I thought I was pretty cool."

Autumn shook her head, smiling as she hugged her rabbit closer. "Nope. Just silly."

Bella reached over and gently ruffled Autumn's hair, her voice soft. "Silly's not so bad, though, is it?"

Autumn shook her head again, her smile lingering even as the burden of everything seemed to settle back onto her small shoulders. But for a moment, she'd laughed, and Edward held onto that like it was a victory.

As they stood to leave, Autumn looked up at them both, her little voice hopeful. "Will you come back?"

Edward crouched down again, his smile soft. "If you want us to, we'll be here. Promise."

Autumn nodded, her rabbit tucked tightly against her chest. "Okay."

As they stepped out of the hospital, the late morning sun began to burn through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the parking lot. Bella paused just outside the doors, drawing in a deep breath of fresh air. The visit with Autumn had left an ache in her chest, bittersweet and heavy. The little girl was safe, but the weight of what she'd lost was inescapable.

Edward walked beside her, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket. His jaw was tight, his eyes shadowed by the echoes of the morning's conversation. They made their way to his car in silence, the faint sound of passing traffic the only thing filling the space between them.

As Edward started the engine, Bella glanced at him. "That kid," she said softly, shaking her head. "She's been through so much, and she still finds a way to smile."

Edward's hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "She's stronger than most people I know," he replied. "Stronger than she should ever have to be."

They drove in silence for a while, the hum of the car soothing in its steadiness. Bella looked out the window, the city blurring past as her thoughts drifted back to Autumn's wide, hopeful eyes and the way she clung to that stuffed rabbit like it was her lifeline.

"She deserves a shot at a real life," Bella murmured, almost to herself.

"She'll have one," Edward said firmly. "Because people like Holt can't take anything else from her."

Bella nodded, her gaze still fixed outside. After a moment, she turned to him. "I need to burn off this feeling," she admitted. "I feel… restless. Angry."

Edward glanced at her, understanding flashing in his expression. "The range?"

She nodded, her jaw tightening. "Yeah. I need to feel like I have control over something right now."

Edward didn't hesitate. He changed lanes, heading toward the range they frequented when the job—or life—became too much to carry without an outlet.

"You sure you're up for this?" Edward asked after a moment.

Bella's lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk creeping onto her face. "I could ask you the same thing. Don't think I've forgotten who outshot you last time."

Edward raised an eyebrow, glancing at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "Outshot me? I seem to remember someone getting lucky on one round and then bragging like they'd just won an Olympic medal."

Bella rolled her eyes. "That wasn't luck. That was skill. You just can't handle being shown up."

Edward chuckled, the sound low and warm, easing some of the heaviness in the air. "You've got a selective memory, Swan. But sure, we'll see who's got the better shot today."

Bella turned toward him, her smirk growing. "Oh, we will. Hope your ego's ready for another bruising."

…

The sharp crack of gunfire echoed through the indoor range, muffled only slightly by the protective earmuffs Bella and Edward wore. Bella adjusted her stance, her feet shoulder-width apart, the Glock steady in her hands. Her eyes were locked on the paper target hanging at the end of the lane, its humanoid outline peppered with holes.

"You've got to relax your shoulders," Edward said from behind her, lips twitching in amusement.

"I am relaxed," Bella retorted, her tone clipped, yet playful, as she fired off another shot. It missed the bullseye by a good two inches.

Edward chuckled deeply and Bella didn't know if she wanted to throat-punch him or kiss him. "Sure, you are. That's why your shots are straying to the left."

Bella lowered the gun and turned to face him, her brows arching. "I don't see you up here proving you're any better."

Edward smirked, stepping closer. "Oh, I'll prove it," he said, taking the gun from her with an easy confidence. "But first, let me show you what you're doing wrong."

Bella crossed her arms, trying to suppress the grin tugging at her lips. "By all means, enlighten me."

Edward's smirk softened into something warmer, and he stepped behind her, placing the gun back in her hands. His chest brushed lightly against her back as he adjusted her grip and Bella tensed for a moment, the heat of his proximity catching her off guard.

"Relax," Edward murmured near her ear, his breath warm against her skin. His hands moved over hers, gently shifting her grip. "Thumbs here… fingers like this. See?"

Bella nodded wordlessly, her heart thudding a little too loudly in her chest. She was hyper-aware of every point of contact between them—his hands brushing hers, the steady rise and fall of his chest against her shoulder blades. She cleared her throat, determined to ignore the flutter low in her stomach. "Okay. Got it."

"Not yet," Edward said, his voice dropping lower. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear as he whispered, "Your stance needs work too."

A shiver ran down Bella's spine, and she hated the way her breath caught. "I… think my stance is fine."

Edward's chuckle was quiet, but there was a wicked edge to it. "Humor me." His hands shifted to her hips, guiding them gently. Bella swallowed hard, her face heating as he leaned in even closer, his voice a rumble that seemed to vibrate through her. "There. Perfect."

Bella's grip on the gun tightened, though she wasn't sure if it was from frustration or something else entirely. She sucked in a deep, composing breath and asked, "Are you going to keep whispering in my ear, or are you going to let me shoot?"

Edward pulled back slightly, though the mirthful tilt in his voice was impossible to miss. "Go ahead, Swan. Impress me."

Bella took in another deep breath, her focus snapping back to the target. She fired, the shot hitting dead center. Then another. And another.

Edward whistled low, stepping to her side with a grin that didn't quite hide the admiration in his eyes. "Not bad."

"Not bad?" Bella echoed, raising a brow as she turned to face him. "That's all you've got? I just nailed three bullseyes in a row."

Edward shrugged, his smirk widening. "Guess I'm a good teacher."

Bella rolled her eyes, though she couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."

"And yet," Edward said, his tone softer now as he looked at her, his gaze lingering just a second too long, "you keep coming back."

Bella felt her cheeks warm, but she didn't look away. "Maybe I like a challenge."

Edward's smirk faded into something more sincere, his eyes searching hers. For a moment, the noise of the range seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in a charged silence.

Finally, Bella cleared her throat, stepping back and holding out the gun. "Your turn, Masen. Let's see if you can back up all that talk."

Edward took the gun with a grin, the intensity in his gaze shifting back to playful. "You're on."

…

The sun was high, and the aroma of grilled meat filled the air as Solomon's backyard came alive with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses. The sprawling yard was a perfect setting, complete with a patio, and enough space for the team to finally unwind.

Emmett was already stationed at the grill, his apron—emblazoned with the words King of the Grill—barely containing his excitement as he flipped burgers and turned skewers. Solomon stood beside him, beer in hand, eyeing the charred edges of the meat with barely concealed disapproval.

"You're burning the edges," Solomon grumbled, leaning in closer to inspect.

"Burning? Please," Emmett scoffed, waving his spatula dramatically. "That's what we call flavor, Sarge. You're just jealous of my culinary genius."

Solomon chuckled, shaking his head as he handed Emmett another beer. "Culinary genius, huh? If I bite into a hockey puck later, I'm demoting you to permanent desk duty."

"Ha! You'd miss me too much," Emmett shot back, flipping a perfectly seared burger with a flourish. He noticed Jacob popping open a beer and called him over, "Yo! Black, c'mere!"

Jacob jogged over, eyebrow raised. "Yeah?"

"This looked burned to you?"

"Yeah, McCarty. That shit is fuckin' burnt."

Emmett rolled his eyes and shrugged, turning back to the grill, "Damn, who asked you anyway…"

"You just did, dude," Jacob snorted, laughing and Solomon chuckled as he took a sip of his beer.

Across the yard, Edward and Jasper stood a few feet apart, tossing a football back and forth. The game started light, the ball zipping between them with practiced ease. Jasper caught one and smirked, his competitive streak kicking in. "Alright, Masen, let's see what you've got. Show me that arm."

Edward grinned, stepping back and rolling his shoulders. "You sure you want to embarrass yourself, Whitlock?"

Jasper laughed, shaking his head. "Bring it on, pretty boy."

Edward launched the ball with a perfect spiral, cutting through the air like a missile. But it sailed just over Jasper's outstretched hands, bouncing into a nearby bush.

"Nice arm, Jalon Hurts," Jasper teased as he jogged to retrieve the ball. "You throwing to the next county, or…?"

Edward shrugged, his grin widening. "I thought you were taller."

As Jasper emerged from the bushes, football in hand, he noticed Edward's gaze drifting. Following his line of sight, he saw Bella sitting on the patio with Rosalie and Alice. Bella laughed at something Alice said, her head tilting back, the sunlight catching her hair like a halo. Edward's expression softened, his smile turning into something quieter, more intimate. He wasn't just looking at her—he was studying her, as if committing every detail to memory.

"Earth to Edward," Jasper called, smirking when Edward didn't immediately respond. He tossed the ball lightly, hitting Edward square in the chest. "You're drooling, man."

Edward blinked, startled, his hand catching the ball more out of instinct than intention. He turned back to Jasper, trying to play it cool. "What?"

Jasper laughed, shaking his head. "You're so gone for her, it's not even subtle. You're just standing there like a lovesick puppy."

Edward's ears reddened slightly, but he didn't deny it. He glanced back toward Bella, his expression brimming with something far deeper than admiration. "Yeah," he admitted quietly, the word carrying a deeper meaning he didn't bother to hide. "I am."

"She's good for you. You're good for each other." Jasper's teasing grin faded into something more genuine.

Edward nodded, his grip on the ball tightening slightly as he cleared his throat and focused his attention back on Jasper. "Yeah. She's… everything."

Jasper clapped him on the shoulder, his grin returning. "Alright, Romeo. Let's see if that arm of yours can manage to keep it in bounds this time."

Edward chuckled, shaking off the moment as he launched the football again—this time, straight into Jasper's hands.

Rosalie, Alice, and Bella sat on Solomon's patio, the warm sun overhead and the faint rumble of laughter drifting from across the yard. Alice swirled her colorful cocktail, the tiny umbrella bobbing precariously as her lips curved into a mischievous grin. Trouble was brewing; Bella could feel it.

"So," Alice started, her voice sing-song. "How's the honeymoon phase treating you?"

Bella groaned, tipping her head back. "Here we go."

"Oh, don't act so surprised," Rosalie drawled, leaning back in her chair with her legs crossed. "You've got Edward following you around like a lovesick puppy. It's cute, but it's giving me secondhand diabetes."

Bella shot her a dry look. "He's not following me around."

Alice grinned, sipping her drink before leaning forward conspiratorially. "I mean, I'd want him glued to me too if I had all... that." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, and Bella's face heated.

"It's not like that," Bella protested, though the slight smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. "We're just... figuring things out."

Rosalie snorted. "Figuring things out? Bella, you two are practically living together. What's left to figure out? Which side of the bed he hogs?"

Bella flushed deeper, muttering, "He takes the whole bed, actually. Starfish style."

Alice gasped, feigning scandal. "So it's serious, then? Starfish is basically a relationship milestone."

Bella rolled her eyes, but the smile lingered. "It's... nice, okay? He makes me feel safe."

The words came out softer than she intended, and Rosalie and Alice both paused, their teasing momentarily replaced by something more thoughtful. But, true to form, Alice didn't let the sentiment linger too long. Her eyes narrowed—she wasn't buying it. "You're telling me you've got that brooding hunk of man sleeping over, and all you do is... talk?"

Bella's cheeks flushed. "Yes, actually. And sleep."

"Uh-huh," Rosalie said, raising an eyebrow. "Define sleep."

Bella sighed, shaking her head. "Literal sleeping, Rose. You know, close your eyes, recharge for the next day?"

Alice groaned dramatically, tossing her hands in the air. "You're killing me. He's basically a walking romance novel, and you're telling me you haven't even flipped to the steamy chapters yet?"

Bella laughed despite herself, shaking her head. "Not everything's about—"

"Oh, I don't know, Bella," Rosalie interrupted with a sly grin. "Some things should be."

Alice grinned, leaning closer. "So what is he? A quiet, respectful gentleman? Or one of those secretly wild types who, you know, lets loose when—"

"Alice!" Bella interrupted, her face fully flushed now. "None of your business."

Alice fell back in her chair, feigning despair. "This is a travesty."

Rosalie smirked, her sharp eyes glittering with amusement. "So you're sharing a bed with him, and all you two do is... snore? Nothing else?"

Bella groaned, covering her face. She's really hammering the nail on the coffin with these two. "Yes! And for the record, it's not nothing. It's the first time in forever neither of us has had nightmares or woken up in a panic. That's... that's enough for now. Like I said, it's safe." Bella casted a quick look Edward's direction, feeling the somersaults fire off in her stomach.

"Well… safe is good," Rosalie said, her smirk returning. "But you know what's also good? Risk. Like a little... adventure."

Bella arched a brow, wary of where this was heading. "What kind of adventure?"

Rosalie's smirk widened into something wicked. "Let's just say Emmett and I may or may not have gotten a little... creative last week. Fire escape. Midnight."

Bella's jaw dropped. "You're kidding."

Alice burst out laughing, nearly spilling her drink. "Please tell me it wasn't during a call. That would be peak Emmett."

Rosalie shrugged, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "It was during surveillance. Long, boring stakeout. What can I say? We like to multitask."

Bella groaned, covering her face. "I did not need that image."

"Oh, relax," Rosalie said, her tone amused. "You've got your own swoony detective to keep you occupied."

Bella peeked through her fingers, her voice tinged with mock exasperation. "I'm never telling you two anything ever again."

Alice grinned, leaning in closer. "Oh, you love us. Admit it."

Bella sighed dramatically, though her lips curved into a smile. "Fine. I love you. But I'm not taking relationship advice from the queen of public indecency and the princess of scandal."

Rosalie raised her drink in a mock toast. "Public indecency? I'll take it."

"And scandal suits me," Alice added with a wink. "But seriously, Bella, he's good for you. And if you're nervous, that's okay. Just... don't overthink it. Sometimes it's okay to just let things happen."

Bella's smile softened, the words striking something deep. "Thanks, Alice."

Rosalie gave a mock gasp, placing a hand over her heart. "What, no thanks for me? You bitch."

"You can thank yourself for that fire escape story," Bella shot back, earning another round of laughter from her friends. Bella breathed a contented sigh, her gaze wandering again, and focusing in on Edward. He still stood near the makeshift football game with Jasper, tossing a lazy spiral back and forth. His head fell back slightly as he laughed at something Jasper said, and Bella felt her heart do an infuriating little flip. His white shirt clung to him in all the right ways, the sleeves pushed up to reveal forearms that had no business looking that good.

Edward caught her watching. His green eyes locked onto hers, and a slow, knowing smile curved his lips. Bella felt heat rise to her cheeks and she ducked her head quickly, muttering, "I'm gonna run to the bathroom," to Rosalie and Alice before slipping into the house.

Alice watched her go, her smirk widening. "Bathroom, huh?"

Rosalie sipped her drink, her tone dry. "She's not coming back for a while. Guarantee it."

Across the yard, Edward lingered for a beat before tossing the football back to Jasper. "I'll be right back," he said, his tone casual.

Jasper arched a brow. "You're terrible at this whole 'subtlety' thing, you know that?"

Edward just shrugged, grinning as he jogged toward the house.

Inside, Bella had made it to the bathroom, pushing the door halfway closed before she paused to check her reflection in the mirror. She adjusted her hair, shaking it loose around her shoulders. She didn't know what she was expecting, but the soft creak of the floorboards behind her was all the confirmation she needed.

The door had stopped short of closing, Edward's sneakered foot wedging it open.

Bella grinned, biting back a laugh as she turned around. Her eyes practically sparkled as she stared up at him. "Took you long enough."

Edward stepped inside, nudging the door shut behind him with a quiet click of his foot. His eyes were dark as he moved closer, boxing her in against the bathroom sink. One hand braced the counter beside her; the other ghosted along her waist.

"Figured I'd let you settle in," he murmured, his voice low, teasing. "Didn't want to seem too eager."

Bella tilted her head, her grin widening. "Oh, no, wouldn't want that. You're the picture of restraint."

Edward leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "You don't make restraint easy, Bella."

Her breath hitched, the heat between them causing goosebumps to flare across her skin. Before she could fire back a retort, Edward's lips captured hers, his kiss long and slow. Bella melted into him, her hands threading through his hair as his fingers slid to her hips, pulling her closer. The cool edge of the counter bit into her back, but she didn't care. All she could focus on was him—the way he tasted, the way he touched her like she was the only thing in the world.

Edward's hand slid up her side, fingers brushing just under the hem of her shirt when—

Knock, knock, knock.

"Bathroom's occupied," Edward muttered against her lips, not bothering to break away. Bella couldn't help but smile against his lips, her heartbeat picking up pace.

Another knock, louder this time. Then a deep, overly gruff voice: "This is Solomon. Whoever's in there better get their ass out. I know what y'all are doing, and I'm too old to clean this damn bathroom."

Bella pulled back, her laugh bubbling out uncontrollably. Edward groaned, resting his forehead against hers. "That's not Solomon," he mumbled.

"Nope," Bella agreed, her eyes gleaming as she stared into his. "That's definitely Emmett."

"Seriously, though. Are y'all actually making out, or is Edward just using this as a chance to practice his smolder face in the mirror? You can tell me. I'm a safe space," Emmett called through the door, his voice laced with poorly stifled laughter.

Edward rolled his eyes, stepping back reluctantly. "I'm going to kill him."

Bella tugged Edward's shirt playfully. "No, because then Rosalie would kill you." She paused, her nose scrunching up in that adorable way that always made Edward want to kiss away the wrinkles. "Actually, she might join in."

The door cracked open to reveal Emmett leaning casually against the wall, a shit-eating grin plastered across his face. "Don't stop on my account," he teased, waving a hand dramatically. "Carry on, lovebirds."

Edward shot him a glare, grabbing Bella's hand and tugging her toward the door. "You're lucky we're in Solomon's house. And I don't fucking smolder."

"Oh, you so do fucking smolder, new guy," Emmett said, snorting. "Now, hurry back to the grill. Your extra well-done burgers are finished."

Bella laughed as Edward muttered something under his breath, pulling her out of the bathroom and back into the fray.

…

As the afternoon wore on, the smell of perfectly—for the most part—grilled food signaled it was time to eat. Solomon called everyone to the long wooden table on the patio, which was covered with platters of burgers, ribs, grilled vegetables, and more.

Everyone took their seats, the banter continuing as plates were filled and drinks were refreshed. The atmosphere was light, filled with the warmth of their handmade family. Once everyone had settled, Solomon stood, raising his glass. The chatter quieted, all eyes turning to him.

"I don't usually do speeches," Solomon began, "But today feels like a good time for one."

He looked around the table, his gaze lingering on each member of his team. "We've been through a lot these past few weeks. We've faced danger, loss, and more stress than most people see in a lifetime. But through it all, you've shown what it means to be a family."

I'm proud of each and every one of you. Not just for the work you do, but for the people you are. You've got each other's backs, no matter what. And that's something really goddamn special."

He raised his glass higher. "To family. And to the best damn team I've ever had the privilege to lead."

The team raised their glasses, echoing his sentiment. "To family."

The clinking of glasses was followed by cheers and laughter, the warm camaraderie of the team filling the backyard. Edward turned his head, his gaze finding Bella's beside him. The noise around them seemed to fade away as their eyes locked.

"You gotta stop looking at me like that," she whispered softly, just quiet enough for him to hear. The corner of Edward's mouth twitched as he set his glass down on the table and reached out, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face before gently cradling her cheek. Her breath caught, a soft, shy smile tugging at her lips as her eyes searched his.

"I can't," he murmured simply, making her heart skip and heat bloom across her cheeks. Then, without hesitation, his lips met hers in a kiss that was unhurried, tender, and filled with quiet certainty. It wasn't showy or dramatic—just real, the kind of moment that made the world around them disappear. Catcalls and whistles exploded from the team around them.

Bella pulled back just enough to press her forehead against Edward's, her breath hitching with a quiet laugh. "You know they're never going to let us live this down, right?"

Edward smirked, his voice low and teasing. "Let them talk."

With that, he kissed her again—this time quick, playful, and just bold enough to earn another round of teasing jeers from their audience.

But neither of them seemed to care.

…

Bella stepped into her apartment, Edward falling in step behind her, and he softly clicked the door closed. Before he could turn around, Bella had stepped towards him, snaking her arms around his torso and resting her cheek against the broad, muscled expanse of his back.

Edward stilled for a moment, caught off guard, before a deep, contented sigh escaped him. His hands instinctively covered hers where they rested against his stomach, his fingers brushing lightly over hers.

Bella stayed like that for a beat, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing and the quiet strength of him against her. But something stirred within her, an aching need that grew stronger with each passing second. Her fingers slipped beneath his shirt, brushing against the warm skin of his stomach. Her touch was tentative at first, but when she felt him shiver beneath her fingertips, it emboldened her.

Her hands explored slowly, tracing the defined ridges of muscle and the faint trail of hair that disappeared beneath his waistband. Edward exhaled sharply, his body reacting instantly to her touch. She could feel his muscles tighten, his skin rippling as if every nerve was alive under her hands.

Bella pulled Edward's shirt over his head with a fluid motion, tossing it aside before he could react. The cool door pressed against his back as he turned, but it did little to combat the fire coursing through his veins. His flushed skin, kissed by the faint light from the street, seemed to burn where Bella's fingers and lips explored. Time seemed to suspend, the world outside disappearing until there was nothing but the warmth of his hands, the taste of him, and the way he murmured her name like it was both a prayer and a promise.

Their mouths collided again, the kiss frantic and full of need. Bella's hands roamed his body, desperate to feel more, to pull him closer. Edward gasped her name, his voice rough and strained. "Bella," he managed, his words breaking as her lips left his and began a trail down his neck.

She followed the faint freckles scattered along his skin, her mouth brushing against his collarbone and the light smattering of hair on his chest. Edward's breath hitched, his chest rising and falling rapidly as her lips traveled lower.

"Bella, wait—" he started, his words dissolving into a shaky exhale as she sank to her knees in front of him. The world seemed to spin, and he reached out, gripping the doorframe for balance. His pulse roared in his ears as her hands went to the waistband of his pants and boxers, tugging them down with a confidence that left him breathless.

"Fuck," Edward hissed, the word escaping him in a low, ragged groan. His head tipped back against the door as he looked down, watching her with wide, hazy eyes. She was there, her gaze locked onto his, and the intensity of the moment struck him like a tidal wave.

"Bella," he tried again, his voice trembling, but there was no hesitation in her movements, no falter in the way her hands slid over him. And then, all he could do was hold on, his breath shattering as she took him in her hands completely.

Edward fought to keep his eyes open as Bella completely took him in her mouth, her lips a tight grip on his cock. She pressed forward, taking him deeper, her nose grazing his pubis. It took every ounce of strength Edward had not to grab the back of her head and fuck her like that. "Goddam… Bella," Edward ground out, his hips flexing instinctively forward. She pulled back, his cock leaving her mouth with a wet pop, but she replaced it with her hand and looked up at him beneath her lashes. Her strokes were slow, but deliberate, and Edward couldn't look away.

"You're gonna drive me crazy," he panted, swallowing hard.

Her lips curled into a small, mischievous smile, her grip tightening and moving in ways that were going to bring him to his release far quicker than he wanted. "Maybe that's the point," she replied, her voice dropping to a whisper. She leaned in again, her lips brushing against his skin, and Edward knew he was utterly at her mercy.

The sight of her like this—on her knees, her flushed face framed by the messy strands of her hair—sent a fresh surge of desire through him.

He hooked his hands under her arms and hoisted her up high, prompting Bella to wrap her legs around his waist. Edward struggled for a second, kicking off his boxers and pants the rest of the way, before heading towards Bella's bedroom.

He dropped her on the bed, standing back and looked down at her with a hungry gaze. "You've got too many fucking clothes," he murmured hoarsely. Bella smirked and rose up onto her knees, lifting her arms upwards towards the ceiling. Edward returned her smirk and reached hastily for her invitation, pulling the shirt over and off her body. The rest of her clothes just about melted away, Edward plucking her pants, then underwear off one by one until they were both bare.

His hands skimmed down her sides, warm and firm, as if memorizing each and every curve of her body. Bella shivered beneath his touch, her hands finding their way to his shoulders, pulling him down until their skin was flush against one another.

Edward dipped his head, kissing the hollow of her throat before trailing his lips lower, pausing to linger on every freckle and mark that made herher. Bella arched into him, her breaths coming faster as his mouth found the swell of her breast, teasing and tasting as his hands roamed.

"Edward," she whispered, her voice laced with urgency. She cupped his face, pulling him back up to her lips, kissing him deeply, their movements growing more frantic. She could feel him right there, and if she just shifted her hips upwards he would've filled her completely.

"You have anything?" Edward breathed, surprised he could think so clearly. Bella pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, then tilted her head towards her nightstand drawer. Edward stretched, finding what he needed, and slipped the condom on, willfully with ease. He grabbed his cock, guiding it towards Bella's entrance, before sliding into her in one deep rock of his hips.

They both moaned – Bella, feeling every nerve in her body light up with the fullness of him, and Edward, taking in her warmth. His strokes were deep, deliberate, and his hands splayed across the expanse of her hips. They moved together like they'd done this a thousand times, but the intensity of it felt new, raw, and all-consuming.

"Fuck," Bella whispered, opening her eyes. She met Edward's intense gaze, and she could tell he was holding back—but she needed more. Bella tilted her hips upwards, her eyes flamed with determination.

"Edward. Fuck me," she pleaded, shifting her hips again, this time with more force. Edward's eyes darkened and it's like a switch was turned on with her insistence. He gripped her hips firmly, lifting them off the bed, and his pace quickened, grunting with the force of his thrusts.

Bella felt like she was on fire, and her eyes squeezed closed, the pleasure overtaking her body. Her hands grabbed blindly at her breasts, flicking at the hardened tips, but Edward moved one of her hands out the way, replacing it with his mouth. "Shit," Bella cried out, her nerves in overdrive, and she opened her eyes to look up at him again, her mouth dropping open. "It's so good... please don't stop."

Edward moved back, switching to the other nipple with a few hot, open kisses, before pulling back completely. His hand snaked between them, thumb pressed hotly against her clit, and Bella completely unraveled at that point as his fingers worked her so fucking good.

She tossed her head back, a string of incoherent, pleasured-drenched curses spewing out her mouth. Edward's hand intertwined with hers, pinning it gently above her head as their breaths and heartbeats synced, their gazes locked. He sought out her lips, drinking in her curses and muffling his own cries of pleasure as he came not too long after.

Hearts thundering, sweat pooling, Edward's hips gave one more deep stroke before he completely pulled out. He collapsed down beside her, and Bella shivered at both the delicious satiety and emptiness that followed.

"Shit," Edward said gutturally. He pulled the condom off, careful to avoid any spillage, and tied it off. Bella turned on her side and bit her lip as she found Edward's eyes.

"Hey," she whispered, her eyes twinkling. Edward huffed a laugh, shaking his head, and threw a palm over his eyes. "You're going to kill me, woman."

Bella popped up onto one elbow, pinning him down with a mock-serious glare. "Whoa, no way. Not after that. You owe me a million more orgasms after that, dude."

Edward lifted his hand, raising an eyebrow at her. "Yeah?"

"Yes," Bella said, then squealed when Edward was on her in an instant.

"Better start now then," he said eagerly, moving down her body. Bella went to say something back playfully, but her words died with a moan as he went straight to the task at hand. "Holy shit," Bella laughed out – oh, he was definitely up for the assignment.

How we feeling? Much needed levity for these bunch, huh? Thanks for reading!