Eighteen

Bella

Edward's hand found mine, his smile widening as he nodded toward the large, sleek plane on display. "Come on, I'll show you inside the plane," he said, his tone laced with excitement. It was subtle, but I could feel how proud he was as he led me down the carpeted walkway toward the aircraft.

"I can't believe I get the grand tour from the man himself," I walked closely by his side.

"The first and only," he winks, "usually I have people to take stakeholders on the tour."

"Why do I get special treatment?" I smiled as he leads me up the narrows steps.

"I've seen you naked," he says over his shoulder.

I followed him up the steps, laughing at his contagious enthusiasm. Once inside, the polished luxury of the interior took my breath away. Every detail, from the softly glowing overhead lights to the plush leather seats, screamed sophistication.

"These are the first-class suites," Edward explained, gesturing to a row of private pods. His voice carried a hint of pride as he spoke, his fingers brushing lightly along the edge of a seat. "Fully reclining chairs, privacy doors, and—" He opened a hidden compartment with a smooth flick of his wrist. "Personal fridges."

My jaw dropped as I leaned closer to inspect it. "The chairs have fridges?" I gasped, eyes wide. "Are you kidding me?" I turned to look at him. "I've never flown first class in my life. This is… insane."

His grin widened as he leaned casually against the pod. "You mean Cupid hasn't granted herself the luxury of first-class travel?" he teased, one eyebrow raising playfully.

I laughed, shaking my head as I trailed my fingers along the armrest of one of the seats. "No, my Cupid duties are usually economy, row 26. Middle seat. Crying baby guaranteed."

"Well," Edward said, stepping closer to me, his hands sliding into his pockets as his gaze softened, "I guess you've been overdue for an upgrade."

I looked up at him, feeling the sincerity in his voice. "It's amazing, Edward. This whole thing… You've created something incredible."

He shrugged, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes. "It's just a plane."

"It's not," I said, shaking my head as I gestured around. "It's a testament to your hard work, your vision. You should be proud. I know I am."

He smirked, leaning in slightly. "You're making me blush, Bella."

I laughed, reaching out to touch his arm lightly. "It's okay. Blushing suits you. It's incredibly sexy."

For a moment, he just watched me, his expression softening even further. "I'm glad you're here," he murmured.

I smiled, the warmth of his words sinking in. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

I slid into the plush chair, practically melting into the soft leather as I let out a dreamy sigh. "Oh yeah," I said, running my hands over the armrests. "This is a long-haul dream. I might actually survive an international flight in one of these."

Edward leaned against the edge of the pod, watching me with an amused smile. "If you keep talking like that, I'll think you want one of these in your living room."

I grinned up at him, reclining the seat back a little as I pressed one of the buttons on the console. The chair gently tilted, the footrest rising. "Do you think it comes in red?" I teased, fiddling with a hidden compartment. "But seriously, when am I getting a holiday to truly try these bad boys out? You must get a staff discount, right?"

Edward smirked, crossing his arms as he tilted his head at me. "A holiday, huh? Already angling for perks?"

I leaned back into the chair dramatically, spreading my arms across the armrests like I was holding court. "I mean, as your girlfriend, I feel like it's my moral obligation to support the fleet. And the best way to do that," I paused, looking at him with mock seriousness, "is by testing the product. Extensively. You know, for science."

Edward chuckled, shaking his head as he stepped closer. "Extensively, huh? Where would I be sending you, Ms. Cupid?"

I tapped my chin, pretending to think. "Let's see… Paris. Maybe Santorini. Oh! Maldives, for sure. I'll even take some selfies in this seat to send to your investors. Pure professionalism."

He laughed and leaned down, placing a hand on the armrest beside me. "How generous of you to offer your services. But I've got news for you, Bella," he said, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "If there's a holiday in first class, I'm going with you. And I guarantee you won't be sitting in this seat much."

I bit my lip to hold back a grin, tilting my head to meet his gaze. "Oh? And where would I be sitting?"

His smirk turned devilish. "My lap sounds like the best option."

I laughed, shoving his shoulder playfully as he straightened up. "You're incorrigible."

"And you're the reason why," he quipped, offering his hand to help me out of the chair. I rolled my eyes but took it anyway, letting him pull me to my feet.

"Fine," I said, brushing imaginary lint off my dress. "You win. But if I don't see a boarding pass with my name on it soon, I'm filing a formal complaint."

Edward leaned in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered, "Don't worry, baby. I'll make sure you're taken care of."

Edward tugged my hand, leading me through the narrow corridor toward the cockpit. "Come on, there's something else I want to show you," he said, his voice carrying that boyish excitement I couldn't help but find completely irresistible.

When we stepped inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of buttons, levers, and screens glowing softly in the dim lighting. I blinked at the complexity of it all, crossing my arms as I took a cautious step closer. "I have no idea what any of this means," I admitted, glancing over the intimidating control panels.

He chuckled, moving to the captain's chair and lowering himself into it with practiced ease. "Come here," he said, patting his lap.

I raised a brow but couldn't fight my grin as I stepped closer, letting him pull me down onto his lap. His arms wrapped around my waist, and I leaned back against his chest, suddenly feeling like I was part of a scene from a movie.

"These," he began, gesturing toward a set of switches, "are for the autopilot systems. Completely revamped with cutting-edge tech. And these monitors here"—he pointed at the screens glowing to our right—"are the navigation displays. They give real-time updates on altitude, weather conditions, everything."

I tilted my head, looking at him with a teasing smile. "You're really just a big nerd, aren't you?"

"Can you blame me?" he said, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke. "This is the culmination of years of work. A lot of long nights, a lot of risks."

I softened, resting my hands over his on my waist. "It's incredible, Edward," I said honestly, my voice quiet. "You really should be so proud. I can't believe you've done all of this."

"I am," he admitted, his tone softer now, almost vulnerable. "But you know what's even better than all this?"

I glanced over my shoulder, raising a brow. "What?"

"Getting to show it to you," he said, his eyes meeting mine, something warm and genuine in his gaze, "hearing you say you're proud of me… it makes it all more worth it."

I felt my cheeks flush as I looked away, laughing softly. "You're good at this, you know that?"

"At what?"

"Making a girl feel like she's the only thing that matters," I said, leaning into him.

"That's because you are," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. For a moment, we just sat there, the quiet of the plane surrounding us.

I shifted slightly in Edward's lap, my eyes scanning the overwhelming number of buttons and switches.

"What's the big red button?" I asked, pointing to the most obvious one on the panel. A mischievous grin spread across my face. "I want to push it."

Edward's laugh was deep and warm, his arms tightening around my waist as if to stop me from trying. "Absolutely not, Bella."

I tilted my head back to look at him, pouting slightly. "Why not? It's just sitting there, begging to be pushed. Come on, what's the worst that could happen?"

He smirked, leaning forward until his lips brushed against my ear. "The worst that could happen? You'd accidentally trigger the emergency systems, and a bunch of very expensive alarms would go off. Not to mention, someone would definitely come running."

I gasped, covering my mouth. "That's what it does? Seriously?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, but now you're scared enough to keep your hands to yourself."

I narrowed my eyes at him, mock glaring. "You're a bossy CEO."

"And you're a terrible co-pilot," he teased, brushing his nose against mine.

Leaning forward I press my lips to his with a grin. His breath hitched as I stroked his face, my thumb grazing along his jaw. His eyes, usually so sharp and confident, softened with an emotion that sent my heart racing. When I kissed him, he sighed against my lips, his fingers gripping my waist as if I might vanish if he let go.

"Baby…" His voice was raw, his brow furrowing as he pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. "I don't know how to really do this."

I froze, my pulse quickening.

His vulnerability hit me like a tidal wave, and I cupped his face gently, searching his gaze. "I'm listening. I'm right here, okay?"

His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. "I… I'm in love with you," he whispered, the words barely audible but packed with so much weight I felt them settle into my soul.

A smile stretched across my face, so wide it almost hurt.

My heart felt like it might burst out of my chest. I leaned in, my mouth hovering just over his, my breath mixing with his. "I'm totally in love with you, too."

The kiss that followed was unlike anything I'd ever experienced—slow and deep, filled with tenderness and an unspoken promise that neither of us needed to voice.

My hands tangled in his hair, his grip on my waist tightened, and for a moment, the world outside the cockpit ceased to exist.

But as we pulled back, something shifted.

A strange warmth spread across my chest, just above my heart. I gasped, looking down as the skin at my chest began to glow faintly red. Across my heart.

Edward winced, his hand flying to his chest as he hissed in pain. "What the hell?" he groaned, fumbling to unbutton his shirt.

"What is it?" I ask worried.

My eyes widened as he pulled open his shirt, revealing a faintly glowing red symbol on his chest. It was unmistakable—a bow and arrow, etched into his skin like some kind of mark.

I stared at it, dumbfounded. "I… I didn't know this could happen," I stammered, shaking my head. "Edward, I swear, I've never seen this before."

He looked up at me, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "You branded me," he said, his tone incredulous.

"I didn't mean to!" I protested, my hands flying to my face as I tried to process what had just happened. Then, trying to lighten the mood, I added with a weak smile, "But for what it's worth, I always thought tramp stamps would look sexy on you."

He shot me a look, equal parts exasperated and amused, before glancing down at the glowing mark on his chest again. "What does this mean?" he asked, his voice serious.

I could only shake my head, utterly bewildered. "I have no idea," I admitted. "This isn't exactly in the Cupid manual… not that there is one."

Edward leaned back in the chair, running a hand through his hair as his mind worked. "Maybe it's a… bond," he suggested slowly, as if testing the words. "A connection between us. If you're Cupid, maybe it's your way of… anchoring me to you."

I frowned, the idea both thrilling and terrifying. "You think this means we're… bonded?" I asked hesitantly.

He nodded, his eyes narrowing as he studied the mark. "Think about it. I'm immune to your powers, right? Maybe this is why. Maybe I wasn't meant to be just another match you make. Maybe I was meant to be yours. Maybe saying I love you out loud triggered something."

The words hung in the air between us, heavy with implication. My heart thudded painfully in my chest as I tried to make sense of it all. "If that's true…" I whispered, looking at him, "then what happens now?"

Edward reached out, taking my hands in his as he pulled me closer. "Now," he said firmly, his voice steady, "we figure it out. Together."

I leaned in, pressing my lips to his again, unable to help myself. His warmth, his touch, everything about Edward felt magnetic, pulling me in like I couldn't resist even if I tried. The kiss deepened, slow and full of emotion, as his hands slid up to cradle my face, holding me like I was something precious.

"How lucky am I?," he smiles, "out of all the people on earth… fate chose me, and only me, for you."

My breath hitched, and I froze, my eyes fluttering open to meet his. The sincerity in his gaze was undeniable, and it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I didn't even know what to say.

I smiled wildly, cupping his face as my heart swelled with emotion. "I wouldn't have it any other way" I whispered, kissing him again, my lips lingering against his as if I could pour every ounce of my feelings into him.

In that moment, everything—his touch, his kiss, the way my heart beat wildly against my chest—felt like it was meant to be. I needed him alone entirely.

I stood, smoothing my dress and tugging Edward toward the cockpit door with a smirk. "You know," I teased, glancing over my shoulder at him, "this is a lot of HR paperwork waiting to happen."

Edward chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Good thing I own the company," he quipped, pulling me back suddenly and steering us toward the small bathroom just outside the cockpit. He opened the door, grinning devilishly as he guided me inside.

As the door clicked shut behind us, he turned, his hands gripping my hips as he pressed me against the smooth surface of the small counter. "And this," he murmured, his voice a husky promise, "is where the tour concludes."

I laughed, the sound quickly turning into a soft gasp as his lips found my neck. He kissed down to my collarbone, his hands hiking my dress up as his warm breath traced along my skin. My heart raced as his chest brushed against mine, his muscles on full display beneath his unbuttoned shirt.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire as he reached for his zipper. "Where," he grunted, his hands sliding up my bare thigh, "are your panties?"

I leaned in, my lips brushing against his ear as I whispered, "Didn't think I'd need them."

Edward groaned, his head falling against my shoulder as, his hands tightened at my waist. My leg lifts, perching against his hip, as I wrap my arms around his neck.

He wastes no time, pulling his erection our from his pants. His movements quick and purposeful as he positioned himself to take me and claim me in every way.

That's when we heard the knock.

"Uh sir?" The feminine voice muffled through the door.

I freeze.

"Yes Carla?" Edward asks frustrated.

"Investors are beginning to notice your absence," she says, "you want to wrap it up and head back to your guests?"

I slip my legs down to the floor watching disappointment cross his features.

Edward let out a low, frustrated groan, his forehead still resting against my shoulder. His fingers flexed against my hips, and I could feel the restraint in his body, the way he was teetering on the edge of self-control.

Then, without warning, his hands slid up my thighs, gripping just beneath the hem of my dress, and I gasped as he pressed himself against me again. "They can wait," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. "Let me take care of you now, baby."

I swallowed hard, my body instinctively arching toward him. The heat in his voice, the way his hands knew me now, had me faltering for a second, actually considering letting him have me right here, investors be damned.

Edward took my hesitation as an opportunity, slipping a hand between my legs, his fingers teasing the inside of my thigh. "You're already so worked up," he murmured, his other hand gripping my ass, kneading it roughly. "One quick round, Bella. I can make you come before they even realize I'm gone."

My breath hitched, my nails digging into his forearms as I fought the overwhelming need flooding my system. "Edward…" I warned, my voice barely above a whisper.

His lips trailed down the side of my neck, slow, deliberate, making it so much harder to think clearly. "I could take you right here, baby," he murmured, voice thick with promise. "Turn you around, bend you over the counter, and make you mine all over again."

I whimpered at the image, my thighs pressing together, my entire body begging me to just let go. He felt it, too—the way I trembled against him, the way my body responded even when my brain was telling me to stop.

And for a split second, I almost did.

Almost.

With every ounce of willpower I had left, I pressed my hands against his chest and forced myself to look up at him. "You're working," I breathed, even as my pulse pounded in my throat. "And if you keep going, I'm not going to be able to stop you."

His jaw clenched, his eyes dark and wild as he held my gaze. "So don't stop me."

I almost caved. Almost let him pull me back under, let him drown me in pleasure like only he could. But I shook my head, forcing a small, teasing smile despite the ache between my thighs. "After," I promised, smoothing my hands down his chest. "After this, we'll go back to yours, and you can have me against any surface you like."

Edward let out a deep, guttural groan, his head tipping back slightly like he was physically restraining himself from throwing me against the counter. "Fuck, Bella," he muttered. "You have to stop talking like that if you actually want me to leave this bathroom."

I grinned, slipping my fingers beneath his loosened tie, giving it a playful tug. "You're the one who said you had work to do."

He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on my hips before he reluctantly stepped back, adjusting himself with a frustrated glare. "Fine," he gritted out. "But the second we're out of here, you're mine."

I smirked, smoothing down my dress. "I was always yours, Edward."

His expression shifted for a split second—something softer flashing in his eyes before it was replaced with pure, unfiltered need. He leaned in close again, his voice dark and full of promise. "Hope you're ready, baby, because I'm going to fuck you so hard you'll feel it for days."

I inhaled sharply, heat coiling low in my belly as I almost dragged him right back into me.

But then the knock sounded again, and we both let out a frustrated sigh.

"Sir?" Carla called through the door.

Edward gritted his teeth, shaking his head as he turned toward the door. "We're coming," he muttered under his breath before cutting his eyes back to me. "Later, I'm making you scream."

I bit my lip, barely holding back my grin as I stepped past him, whispering, "I count on it," before slipping out the door.

As soon as we stepped out of the bathroom, Carla was standing there, arms crossed, an unimpressed but thoroughly amused smirk tugging at her lips. Her sharp gaze flicked between me and Edward, taking in my slightly rumpled dress and the way Edward was still adjusting his suit.

She sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "You do realize that the investors have already noticed you're gone, right? And that I've been running interference so they don't think their CEO is too busy joining the mile-high club on solid ground?"

Edward shot her a dry look, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. "Carla, I pay you to handle these things. What I don't pay you for is commentary."

She smirked, undeterred. "Oh, you absolutely pay me for commentary." Then, she raised an eyebrow, arms still crossed. "Should I give them an ETA on when you'll be done fraternizing with your—" she made a vague hand gesture in my direction, "—very professional guest?"

Edward glared at her. "You're fired."

Bella gasped, grabbing his arm. "No! Don't!"

Carla barely flinched. She just arched an eyebrow at Edward like she'd been expecting that response. "Oh, again? This is, what, the fourth time this quarter?"

Edward opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, I turned to Carla, fixing her with a determined look. "You're not fired. I won't let him."

Edward rolled his eyes, exhaling dramatically as he crossed his arms. "Unbelievable. I'm literally on the Forbes list, and yet, I keep getting overruled by a woman who only recently learned the difference between a jet engine and a propeller."

I grinned, looping my arm through his and resting my head on his shoulder. "That's because I have good instincts—and because Carla is literally the only person in this entire company who has the guts to call you out."

Carla smirked, clearly enjoying this way too much. "She's got a point, sir."

Edward sighed heavily, rubbing his temple like he was regretting all of his life choices. "I hate this dynamic," he muttered, but his hand was already resting on my waist, pulling me into his side as we started walking toward the main cabin.

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "You love this dynamic," I corrected, voice low and teasing.

He huffed, but I saw the corner of his mouth twitch. "I love you," he murmured, just low enough for only me to hear.

And damn it, if that didn't make me melt all over again.