Chapter Twenty-Three

Dark Dance

The incessant buzzing of human thoughts had lessened as guests left the hotel to enjoy the day outside. Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper had finished dressing and sat waiting for me, watching TV to pass the last few minutes before we would need to leave for the park.

I stood motionless while staring at my reflection in the huge mirror, studying my bright topaz eyes, the hard lines of my face, the profile of my body, the form of my hands, the taper of my long strong fingers and, the most human feature I retained through my change… my bronze-colored hair.

As I stood there, my eyes taking in every small detail, a wonderfully perfect memory crept forward, bringing with it a smile that softened my eyes, my mouth, my entire being.

I recalled the first night I was alone with Bella, in my car driving back from Port Angeles. She was so beautiful, so defenseless sitting next to me explaining a theory she wasn’t completely sure about and having no idea how correct she was in her assumptions. She had figured me out with help from the Internet and Jacob Black. Though she basically tricked him into telling her, he unknowingly broke the rules by disclosing information he had believed to be nothing more than tribal legend. She brought up questions she was sure would only make her look foolish for asking and I answered as honestly as I could without elaborating.

I was also breaking the rules. I didn’t wish to hide from her any longer. I wanted her to know me. Part of me wanting her to be so frightened she would never chance to even steal a glance in my direction and the other part, so desperate for her to accept me as the freak I had considered myself to be.

She tried to hide it, nevertheless, I could hear the racing of her heart, her rapid breathing and knew she was shocked to discover she had stumbled onto the truth…

“I’m right?”

“Does it matter?”

“Not really. But I am curious.”

“What are you curious about?”

“Seventeen.”

“And how long have you been seventeen?”

“A while.”

Though my appearance had not changed since the second I became aware as a vampire, there was something different about the man who looked back at me so intently.

Yes. A man. No longer a dark terrifying monster. No longer a freak.

Though my outward appearance was that of a seventeen year old boy, what dwelled inside had grown-up, developed a conscience. Matured through love. I had found a purpose, a reason to exist not only from day to day, but … forever. I had made a promise. I was committed to the only love I would ever know, to my family, to my way of life.

I was… domesticated.

And to think, I fought this change. I refused to believe, as Alice had, that I could ever be this happy. This content.

The man staring back at me in the mirror wore an enormous, slightly crooked, grin.

Behind me, beyond the hotel suite, the sun was rapidly sinking low in the horizon. Twilight would soon be upon us. At that moment, I was so relieved I had opted to forego a bowtie and chose, instead, a white silk shirt with a high Mandarin collar and black pearl buttons. Something less traditional than I would have normally chosen, but still very stylish. Nonetheless, the way my hands were trembling, it was difficult enough just to button my shirt much less tie a tie.

Alice had made arrangements with a local men’s clothier to measure and fit us for tuxedos well before the sun came up on what was sure to be a beautiful cloudless Tuscan summer day. One in which we would be trapped inside for the duration. Within hours, the clothier delivered the suits, altered and pressed, accompanied by the tailor. We tried them on once more to check for any adjustments that might need to be made, only to find they were expertly finished.

Sliding my arms into the suit jacket, I adjusted the lapels and collar. Compared to tuxedos I had worn in the past, this one was my favorite. It was made of fine black wool, a Bissoni single-breasted jacket with one button on the slim lapel. Overall, along with the pleated black pants, it was an extremely handsome suit. Having put it on brought the reality of the day slamming back into perspective.

I was about to marry the most beautifully perfect being on the entire planet.

Bella. My Bella.

The only human brave enough to look past the monster that had lived inside me. The only human I ever allowed close enough to see who I really am. Bella brought humanity back into my empty existence, opened a world of love I had never thought possible and gave me a most precious gift … she restored my soul.

As long as Bella was with me, Heaven was right here on earth, at my side, each and every day and I was fortunate enough to count each minute with her as a true blessing.

Carlisle stood silently in the doorway.

Son. He rarely used the term when addressing me, but it was always there in his mind. His love for me had created a fundamental change in him. Gave him hope when he had believed he would spend eternity alone, unloved and incapable of sharing love with another.

I heard my brothers rise from the furniture in the living room and the room went silent as the TV was switched off. Carlisle smiled as he stepped forward to smooth my lapel.

It’s time.

xx0X0xx

Pure white roses adorned the gazebo where the priest stood in silence, his hands folded around a small worn leather bound bible. A knowing smile kept his mouth turned upward as I paced from side to side. Every once in while, he would catch my eye and nod, he had seen similar behavior on numerous occasions. It was nothing out of the ordinary, perfectly normal wedding day anxiety. As far as he was concerned, I was the embodiment of a nervous groom.

While a ceremony such as this was not the custom, Esme had easily convinced the priest that Bella and I had already been married for the last three years and wished only to renew our vows and have our union blessed. The fact was, what Esme had told him was much closer to the truth than a lie. The marital ties that already bound us together were stronger than any man could create.

Repeatedly I reached for Bella’s wedding ring in my pocket. I needed to look at it, stroke it with my finger, experience the reality of it. Though they stood silent at my side, using only their thoughts, Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett each took turns trying to entertain me, keep me distracted. It didn’t work in the least. My mind stayed focused on one thing alone, my bride.

Esme, Alice and Rosalie’s thoughts drifted into my mind as the sound of a smooth car engine approached the park. I had already turned my head in that direction when Carlisle, and my brothers followed suit. When the car came to a stop, Carlisle placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled before walking down the terracotta-tiled pathway to the car. I held on to the thoughts of those in the limousine, allowing their familiarity to sweep over me.

Esme was as joyful as she could possibly be. Her thoughts filled with love for both Bella and I, so thrilled we were taking this final step to bind ourselves to one another. Rosalie was actually thinking that Bella had never looked more beautiful. Glowing. Radiant with happiness. Alice … Alice was just … giddy. I had no trouble imagining her bouncing with excitement on the soft leather seat.

Carlisle had reached the car as the driver opened the passenger door. Alice exited the limo first, then Rosalie. Carlisle’s thoughts described how beautiful they looked before he caught sight of Esme, his beloved wife. His thoughts shifted from fatherly love for his daughters to a passionate burning love for the woman who filled his heart, body, mind and soul. With all that he wanted to share with Esme, his thoughts were not that much different than mine were toward Bella. I should have blocked him, but I couldn’t chance missing the moment he would first set eyes on my beloved as he helped her from the car.

Oh Bella! Just the whispering tone of his thought told me everything. If my heart still beat in my chest, it would have soared. Edward, I have never seen Bella look lovelier.

Alice came from around the corner followed by Rosalie and then Esme, all wearing deep hyacinth blue dresses that set off their pale skin in the moonlight, each one different and perfectly fitting to each woman’s personality. In their hands, they carried a small spray of white flowers tied together with a matching blue ribbon. The fragrance of the little bouquets floated to me on the slight breeze … freesias … refreshing my memory of the first time I had caught Bella’s scent.

Jasper stepped up, extended his arm to Alice, who took it as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, then walked her over to stand on my left.

Emmett was next, stepping up to Rosalie, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her to him and kissing her gently before moving to stand next to Jasper and Alice.

As Esme moved toward me, her thoughts comforted me, eased my anxiety like no one else could.

Oh Edward! My dear son. How handsome you look! And, here I am again… this brings back memories. The mother of the groom … and the bride. See Edward? My prayers have been answered. An angel was sent to us. She is that one love, that one missing piece that completes you. Bella. My beautiful daughter. She is everything you have always needed, even though you never thought you did. God, you used to be so arrogant at times. She has mellowed you. But… you have always been loving, not always understanding or patient, but always loving.

Esme’s face was glowing with love as she came to me, touching my face with her hand and kissing my cheek before taking her place next to me.

I couldn’t be happier for you, Edward.

Smiling down at her, I took her hand and kissed it softly. “Thank you.”

My eyes drifted back down the aisle. Waiting. Listening to Carlisle’s thoughts and words as he brought my beloved closer and closer with each step. Then, suddenly, his thoughts became worried. His words came to me softly from around the corner.

“Bella? Are you all right? Would you rather Jasper walk with you, at least until you reach Edward?”

Then the beautiful tones of Bella’s trembling melodic voice drifted to me.

“I’m so sorry Carlisle. I’m just … I’m just so nervous. I haven’t felt this way in so long, I’m having a horrible time trying to control it.” Her voice lowered to a mere whisper. “Yes, please, if you wouldn’t mind, I think I do need Jasper’s help.”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Edward, I have never seen her so anxious. “Sit here and I’ll send Jasper.”

I took a hesitant step forward when Jasper’s voice caught me from behind.

“Edward?” Concern foremost in his tone. “Perhaps, I should go.”

“No.”

Go, Edward. Alice’s hand gripped Jasper’s a little tighter. She needs you.

Turning, I held Bella’s ring out to Jasper. “Please… hold this for me.” I smiled, an unspoken promise to return with Bella at my side.

Before I was conscious of my movement, I was down the pathway meeting Carlisle as he turned the corner.

Amused, he smiled, wedding day jitters, shrugging his shoulders as he passed me to wait with the rest of our family.

Quickly, I turned the corner to see her sitting on a tiled concrete bench halfway down the vine-covered tunnel. Silently, I moved to within steps of where she sat, her eyes closed, struggling to catch something she really didn’t need, her breath. When she looked up, her amber eyes locked onto mine instantly. My breath caught in my lungs as I gazed on her perfection.

A glorious sparkling angel sat before me, luminescent even in the dim light. A slight breeze ruffled the delicate iridescent veil that pinned her dark hair up in a mass of curls, causing small rainbows of light to flash off the tiny crystals hanging delicately from the edges. My eyes traveled down her bare willowy neck to stop at the top of the white silk gown that dipped low enough to reveal the swell of her perfect breasts. Strands of the same pale clear blue crystals decorated the neckline, sparkling and flashing with each small intake of air into her lungs.

Until that precise moment, I had not realized how utterly alone I had been before Bella came into my life. I had my family, whom I loved, but never had I felt the all-consuming love that Bella’s mere presence produced within me. Her luscious fragrance drifted my way, along with the scent of her bridal bouquet, freesias, gardenias and jasmine. Bella’s wonderfully floral perfume mingled with those of her bouquet, thoroughly overpowering what nature had given them. I breathed her in deeply, tasting her essence on my tongue, down my throat, saturating my lungs. Wanton desire shot through my veins with amazing force.

Isabella.

Just gazing at her, sitting motionless on the bench, filled me with such longing, such a need to reach out and touch her pale sparkling skin, to confirm that she was not a mirage. I wanted to fall on my knees at her feet and ask her to marry me once more, just to hear her say ‘yes’, to feel her body answer mine with all the longing and desire she held for me.

In addition to every other need that coursed through my body, I needed to kiss her. Feel her lips, soft as velvet, pressed firmly against mine, her tongue, wet and hungry, dancing in my mouth until we were both breathless and wanting.

Oh, Bella, how I love you.

The dazzling expression on her angelic face as she looked me over, her eyes taking in my full height from head to toe, was reminiscent of the expression she wore the first time I had taken her to the meadow. The first time I had stepped into the sun and revealed myself to her. It was in the meadow that I had realized what I felt for her was something more than just the desire for her sweet intoxicating blood.I loved her. Furthermore, I would love her for all time.

Suddenly, her golden eyes filled with a far away look as she rapidly slipped into another revelation from her past. She let it take her, sweep her away from me, sinking fast into what went before, into the memories of her human life.

“Bella?”

Her dark lashes drifted down as she tried to stand. Leaving her bouquet on the bench, her hands blindly reached out to me and rushing forward, I caught her as she fell forward into her memory. Wrapping my arms around her and turning to sit on the bench, I laid her across my lap, gently holding her, looking down into her beautiful face. All I could feel coming from her was confusion and overwhelming sorrow.

“Bella. Oh, Bella, my love.” I whispered as my fingertips stroked her soft cheek. I knew all I could do was wait it out as she trembled in my arms.

Then she whispered, begging me not to leave her. Her arms came up, clutching tightly around her chest. It was something I had seen her do many, many times in her human past. I always thought she used it as a method to comfort herself, but suddenly I realized she did this as if she were trying desperately to hold herself together, to keep a great empty pain from tearing her apart.

Oh God… “Bella. Bella, I know you can hear me.” I tried to stay calm, to keep my voice steady as a wave of unmistakable emptiness poured out over me, engulfing me, causing real physical pain to bloom in my chest.

Then, Jasper was kneeling in front of me. Edward, please, let me help.

All I could manage was a quick nod of my head.

“Help me, please!” Bella whispered urgently. “Please Edward, I’m lost! I’m so lost!” Her quivering voice slipped into sobs that tore me apart.

“Bella, I’m here! Let it go” I whispered my plea. “Bella, please release it, let it go.” A low mournful sob escaped from between my lips as the sorrow she gave off overcame me, shook me down to my very soul.

Jasper gently took hold of her wrists and pulled, separating them until Bella lost her grip. Then, her arms flew open wide. Leaning down, I brushed her lips with mine, frantically whispering to her, trying to lead her to me.

“Bella, I’m right here! Come back to me.”

Bella’s head began to shake from side to side as she begged. “No! No! No!” Her beautiful voice broke, sobbed. “No! Please no! No Jacob! No!”

I froze.

What?

Fury, wild and hot, burned in my brain.

This is not happening! Not on our wedding day! Damn you, Jacob Black, I will not allow you to intrude on this day!

“Bella! Control this now!”

Edward! Calm down. Jasper grasped her hand and peace flowed out from him into Bella, into me, calming the sudden rage that had filled me as he helped to calm the horrendous fear that held Bella so tightly in its grip.

Just as quickly as it came on, the fear, sorrow and utter emptiness was eased. No. Not only eased, but… gone. Like there was a physical shifting inside of her.

Bella was … whole.

The deep mysterious void where her darkest memories hid away was finally healed.

Edward? Can you feel it? Jasper’s questioning eyes flashed up at mine. The… darkness, the emptiness… it’s gone.

I stared at him for only a second, long enough to realize that what I felt coming from Bella was real peace. A tranquility that came only from the soul.

Bella breathed in deeply, her nose slightly flaring as she took in the scents around her. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, her mouth spread in a perfect smile as she looked into my face.

Jasper released her hand, she’s fine now, stood and silently walked down the tiled path, back to our waiting family.

Bella’s hand came up and tenderly stroked my cheek.

“I found it, Edward.” Her lovely voice no more than a pleasant sigh. “I found the emptiness.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing, Bella?” God, please let it be good.

Her smile widened, reaching all the way to her golden eyes. A sweet, sexy grin. “Oh, very good.”

I leaned in the last few inches needing to touch my lips to hers when she disappeared from my arms only to stand a few feet from where I sat.

“Oh, my gosh, Edward! How long have I been out of it?” Her joyous laughter was music to my ears, but still, I was concerned at how quickly she had recovered. Usually, after an episode such as this, it took her a while to process the information that had been revealed to her. Rarely was she in such a wonderful mood, however, the laughter continued to flow from her.

“A couple of minutes. Why?”

“We’re supposed to be getting married, that’s why!” She bent over, her arms clasping around her waist as she giggled uncontrollably. The crystals that hung in tiers around the neckline of her wedding dress, dangled freely, catching any small amount of light they could, drawing my attention to the gentle curve of her breasts.

“Oh, I feel like an idiot, I’m so sorry Edward!”

Bella began slowly spinning, her arms floating out from her body, the silky white fabric of her wedding gown flowing in delicate waves around her, shimmering and shining almost as much as her pale sparkling skin. She was the most exquisite being I had ever seen.

“And, now that you’ve seen me, aren’t you going to walk me down the aisle?”

Rising from the bench on legs that threatened to collapse beneath me, I stood utterly speechless and quite aroused at the sight of her twirling and spinning in such a beguiling manner. She reached out, plucking her wedding bouquet up from the bench behind me. Electricity raced over my skin as her body brushed against mine, heightening all my senses until I felt I could wait no longer. I desperately needed to touch her, to care for her, to cover every inch of her body with kisses.

Her hand reached out to mine. Time stood still as I stared at her trying to remember how to move, how to talk, how to breathe. On its own accord, my hand came up and took hers.

“You are the most absurdly stunning creature I have ever seen.” My feeble words were no more than a breathless pant of air.

“I know.” Her reply was deep and sultry, completely seductive as she leaned in closer. “Just wait until you get this dress off of me.” Her sweet breath blew into my face, dazzling me, as a sinful smile curved her luscious mouth upwards.

Immediately, pictures of all the ways I planned to please her, all the ways I wanted to enjoy her, flashed with impeccable clarity through my brain. Just touching her hand caused lightning to sweep along my body from head to toe and the energy that moved with it began to build at an amazing rate. I had no doubt that Bella could feel it also.

If I could just pull her into my arms… kiss her…

“Are you ready?” The sweet tones of my beloved’s voice pulled me back as she motioned toward the end of the rose filled tunnel. Her arm slipped through mine and gave me a little tug to start my feet moving in the right direction. “Isn’t there some kind of curse that goes along with seeing your bride early?” She teased.

I couldn’t take my eyes from her wondrous beauty. “Yes, I believe you have to spend eternity with me or some such nonsense.” I could barely speak much less have any sort of rational thought.

“Oh, is that all? Just one of those forever and eternity type curses. Well, that’s easy enough.” I was certain that the laughter she held back was not from nervousness, but from excitement. “I don’t know about you, but it’s the curses that keep us apart that pretty much destroy me.”

We rounded the corner heading toward our family and the priest who stood beneath the white rose covered gazebo. My happiness was not only reflected in my beloved’s face, but also in the thoughts of each member of our family.

With our family surrounding us, we were about to bind ourselves in this last ceremonial pledge. Lost in my love’s eyes, I stood silently as the priest spoke in Italian, the words that formally joined us together in matrimony. I was ready to prompt Bella when the time came for her to say ‘I do’, however, she surprised me by saying it at just the right moment. Jasper pressed Bella’s ring into the palm of my hand seconds before I recited my vows, once again renewing my promises to love her until the end of time.

Facing each other, I slipped her wedding ring onto her finger as I repeated the words Bella had used to pledge herself to me over three years ago while lying in a hospital bed.

“You are my life, Isabella. From this moment on, all that I am and all that I am to become, I give to you with a love that shall never die. I promise yours will be the only name I cry out in the night and yours will be the only eyes I look into at dawn. This and everything that is mine to give, I give to you freely, for I have become yours forever.”

She repeated the same promises to me, then, to my surprise, slipped her ring’s perfect masculine match on my finger.

The priest pronounced us husband and wife and the wild impulse to pull her into my arms and kiss her deep and hard was almost more than I control. Barely breathing, I took her face in my hands, felt another electrifying wave of desire shoot through my veins as my fingers moved into her silky hair.

Our kiss began softly, lingering for only few seconds. However, as I started to pull away, Bella’s hands came up around my neck, then entwined in my hair, crushing me to her as small moan vibrated deep in her throat. In that instant, all my control was lost. I kissed her harder, deeper, drinking her in, frantically trying to quench my undying thirst for her.

I was vaguely aware of the sound of a camera clicking one photo after another when Emmett’s thoughts came to me, bringing a smile to my lips.

Edward, damn bro! I am positive there’s a room with your name on it back at the hotel.

xx0X0xx

The limo ride back to the hotel passed in seconds, though time itself did not move as long as I gazed into Bella’s eyes. Once at the hotel, following Carlisle’s lead, I took my wife’s arm and led her into the Grand Ball Room. The huge crystal chandelier was sparkling with a very pale golden light. The tables were spaced out at regular intervals against the walls to allow for full access to the dance floor. Each table covered with a burgundy wine tablecloth and the chairs covered with a heavy tan satin drape tied in a knot across the back. Each table had varying sizes of tan and burgundy candles, all lit, casting off a warm glow that was also reflected in the chandelier. A small crystal vase filled with sprays of white flowers was placed in the center of each table and adorned with deep blue ribbons. The entire room smelled of freesia, gardenias and jasmine.

Walking Bella out to the center of the dance floor, I turned to face her, pulled her into my arms and pressed a small kiss to her mouth.

“Shall we dance, my lady?” I stepped back and bowed to her. She smiled and curtsied holding out her hand to me. I wrapped my arm around her small waist and then, my music filled the room. As we danced, I softly whispered my intentions to her, brushing her ears not only with my breath, but also with my lips. Though she concealed her desire from me, her body told me all I needed to know as she moved against me, fitting her hips into mine, pressing her breasts into my chest, brushing delicate kisses over my chin and lips, teasing me as unmercifully as I teased her.

At some point, Rosalie had left and when she returned, I heard the gasp that left Emmett speechless though his thoughts dived deep into erotic fantasies.

Ah, damn, Rosy! I’m gonna eat you up!

Very soon after, I noticed that Emmett and Rosalie had left the room, with Alice and Jasper following close behind.

Though I couldn’t see it from the ballroom, I knew dawn was fast approaching. As the last song began to play, I caught Carlisle’s eye. He danced Esme closer to the sound booth and then both disappeared behind the partition leaving my new wife and I alone for a few short moments. Looking into Bella’s sensuous amber eyes, my soul felt at peace even though my entire body was quivering in anticipation of what was to come.

Everything I could ever hope for was dancing there in my arms.

My wife, my lover, my friend… my equal. Never again to be the fragile, breakable human who had triggered every terrible animal instinct I possessed. No. She had become so much more. Bella was the bright shining star that illuminated the darkest corners of my life as I orbited around her much like a satellite, caught in her gravitational pull.

Now that Bella had complete control over her gifts, she was once again a great mystery for me to unravel. I had become so accustomed to feeling something from her, that to feel nothing at all was most unsettling. Nevertheless, I could see it in her beautiful eyes.

Our first three days together came back to me in a sudden rush. We had almost no need for words between us as her emotions told me everything I needed and wanted to know in order to please her. As we stood locked in each other’s arms, slowly dancing, her body moving with mine, her fingertips caressed my neck, my cheek and occasionally brushed over my lips. Laying my cheek against hers, I whispered softly in her ear.

“Bella, my love.” With my arm wrapped around her small waist I pulled her closer, feeling her body move so seductively against mine. My hand drifted down to cup her round bottom, pressing her up and into me, knowing she could feel how much I missed her, how much I wanted her. “I need you.” The words left my mouth in a low soft growl. My lips found the soft sensitive spot just below her ear, kissed it between unsteady whispers. “I want to feel your body wrapped around mine in every way.”

The streaks of lightning that had played havoc with me all evening turned suddenly into full-blown waves of electricity with each little gasp that came from between Bella’s lips. The fact that she had been concealing her emotions from me the entire evening only made me want her that much more. When the time came, she would release all her desire on me and our sharing would be glorious.

As we headed toward the elevator, Carlisle caught my attention.

Edward. I turned to look at him and felt a small key card pressed into my hand. Down the hall, you will find a key slot on the wall. The elevator will take you to your room. You are booked for five nights. Enjoy.

I nodded my thanks.

Five nights. Five wonderful, fantastic, glorious days and nights.

We came to the private elevators that led to the room I had shared with Carlisle and my brothers, and with Bella under my arm, I turned heading down another hall. At the end, there was indeed a key slot. It took all my well-honed discipline to keep from running at full speed to reach the door hidden behind the dark wooden panel.

Just… a… few… more… steps.

I swiped the key card through the slot and held my breath as the doors slid open. Stepping inside, I turned to look into Bella’s twinkling eyes as the door moved to close us in. Without warning, every emotion she held inside, all of her deepest desires slammed into me with incredible force, inundating my senses. All of my well thought-out plans to seduce her were instantly swept away by the strength of her desire. It was all I could do to slide the keycard in the slot before wrapping Bella fully in my arms, crushing her to every inch of my body. My entire being was filled with a cold fire that burned every cell in my body with intense awareness.

Isabella.

I moaned as my lips took hers. My hand crept up to the nape of her slender neck. My fingers entwined in her dark mahogany hair as my mouth moved hungrily over her soft velvety lips. Reaching the gossamer veil, I gently pulled it from her silken locks. Mahogany curls tumbled down covering her pale bare shoulders.

The overwhelming need to share my energy with her right then and there was nearly more than I could stand and a sweet agony ached cruelly in my groin, but I was determined to hold on as long as possible. Each breath we took was a short gasping pant. Nothing more than an exchange of air into each other’s lungs between each passionate kiss, until all I breathed was Bella, all I tasted was Bella.

Pulling my mouth away, I pressed my forehead against hers. “Bella… sweetheart…” I gasped into her mouth as I leaned my body into hers.

Bella’s hands had come up around my neck and now slid slowly down around my shoulders. “Edward…” She whispered in a shallow quivering voice.

Oh Bella!

We stood motionless taking pleasure in the feelings that ran through us, between us. I didn’t dare move. Just the brush of my fingers might have pushed her over the limit of control and I wanted to feel it all, to share every second of her release… but not here. I wanted her beneath me, my body fully merged within hers before she let go.

At that moment, the elevator door slid open to reveal a room larger than the one I had shared with my father and brothers. My lips found Bella’s once more as I lifted her in my arms and carried her into our suite. Her mouth curved into a smile as I broke our kiss.

We each took a moment to look around at the penthouse. It was completely different from the rest of the hotel in that it was decorated in varying shades of white. Still, the west wall was created of seamless windows that allowed a fantastic view of the city. The only way we would see it during the next five days would be to admire it from the privacy of this room.

My eyes saw everything in only a matter of seconds and then settled again on Bella’s angelic face. I watched as she took in the entire room. Her eyes fell upon the white Baby Grand that sat neatly in the living area, then, moved to take in the indoor and outdoor pools, two benefits of this suite I was eager to make use of. Lastly, her eyes rested on the huge rock fireplace that separated the living area from the bedroom. It was the last feature I had seen and the first I wanted to make use of. Now that I had her alone, I could feel the smile on my face was nothing short of sinful.

Bella’s eyes settled back on mine. “Are you reading my thoughts?” She whispered.

If only…

“No, but I think you’re reading mine.” Carrying her over to the fireplace, I studied the tiny remote that controlled it before pressing the little green button that would bring it to life. With a few electronic clicks, bright orange and yellow flames filled the fireplace and lit up Bella’s exposed skin with a beautiful warm glow.

The second her feet touched the carpet, her hips still pressed firmly against mine, Bella’s fingers were at my collar, attempting to unbutton my shirt. Taking her hands in mine, I kissed them softly then, placed them down at her sides. Having her alone, knowing full well she could control all that she felt, could focus it wholly and fully on me, I wanted to use every minute to feel all she had to share, to go slow and indulge my every fantasy. Savor every delicious moment of our union.

My hands cupped her face, my mouth caught hers in a tender kiss. Then my lips followed the trail my fingers made as I kissed my way down the span of her slender throat, her entire body trembling with each small kiss, vibrating against the hardened length of my sensitive male anatomy. Her hands came up and once again, I took hold of them, not allowing her to touch me.

“Edward, please.” Her plea sent fireworks of desire shooting through me. The urge to give in to her was so tempting. However, I knew what I wanted and what I needed to do.

“I have indulged your sexual appetite for far too long, Mrs. Cullen. Something I mean to rectify starting right now.”

“Play nice, Mr. Cullen.” She whispered as her body shuddered, sending off enormous waves of need.

“I fully intend to…” She is so close. Hold on to it angel. “All I ask is that you hold on to your energy, draw out the release as long as you can.” Please, just hold on to it for me. I leaned down, my lips so close to hers, her shallow breathing fast, blowing softly over my tongue and down my throat. “Will you try?”

Then, I lost it. Lost it all as my lips came down on hers, my tongue slipping easily into her receptive mouth, tangling wildly with her tongue. My hands found their way to the small crystal buttons that adorned the back of her gown and began unfastening them as rapidly as possible. Bella’s fingers worked furiously, unbuttoning my shirt just as quickly. Her soft hands traveled all over my chest, touching every inch of my skin before moving to caress my back with the same urgency. A rippling tremor of pleasure traveled the length of my body as Bella’s hands moved so lovingly over my flesh. A rush stilled my fingers giving Bella the chance to hastily push my jacket and shirt from my shoulders and down my arms, tossing them off to the side.

Within seconds, I had unfastened enough of the little crystal buttons to allow her silky white gown to slide down her hips and puddle at her feet. I stepped back, expecting to see her still covered in a small lacy bra and panties, but what I did see, I was not prepared for.

She was breathtaking.

Beneath her wedding gown, she was clothed in a white satin and lace corset that supported her perfect breasts, pushing them up in a deliberate invitation. At her hips, she wore a matching garter belt, the four tiny clips holding shimmering iridescent silk stockings that covered her shapely legs. On her feet, white 4-inch heels fasten by tiny straps that wound their way up and around her delicate looking ankles.

My eyes moved slowly back up the length of her body until they fell once more upon her angelic features. Her head was tilted downward, rich brown curls framing her face. Her eyes holding a hint of shyness under her thick black lashes as her mouth curved into that wonderful smile I worshipped. And then, she spoke, her beautiful voice purring seductively.

“Do you really like this… stuff?”

Words sufficient enough to describe what all I was feeling had escaped me as she stood there in her bridal trousseau. I willed my head to nod, knowing she would feel my approval as easily as she felt every other emotion I was undoubtedly casting off. My eyes raced over every inch of her as a deep rumbling began in my chest, spreading outward through every bone, every muscle and every cell in my body.

Oh my God, woman.

The flames coming from the fireplace made my skin feel feverish, hot. My eyes drifted over the sacrificial lace that covered the junction between her legs before roaming upward once more to lock onto her exquisite face.

Isabella, I am going to take you every way possible.

Just then, Bella gave a little gasp, sending back to me what I had released on her, lust. Pure want and need. Then, my hands were on her tiny waist sliding easily over the satin fabric to rest cupping her supple breasts. My thumbs stroking gently back and forth over the fabric as Bella gasped and sighed with pleasure.

Leaning over, I caught her open mouth with mine, kissing her hard and deep and long. Catching her every gasp, every sigh as my thumbs thoroughly teased her. When I felt her energy begin to peak, I pulled away.

“Edward, please!” She moaned as she leaned into me trying to recapture my lips.

Within seconds, my belt was off, Bella was lying on the plush carpet in front of the fire and every other piece of clothing I had been wearing, was now thrown to the side. Bella’s legs parted eagerly to fit my body between them. With one swift tug, all my careful planning was thrown across the room along with Bella’s lace panties.

I kissed my way up from her flat stomach to her perfect breasts, which I teased with kisses as her back arched up and her silk covered legs wrapped around mine. Her hands moved around my back, sliding down over my hips to rest on my backside. Her fingers dug in to me, tried to pull me in as I tantalized her breasts, wetting her corset with venom as I licked and nipped at her, quickly shredding the fragile fabric with my teeth.

I moved my body over hers, caressed her, pressed my hardened length against her then pulled back, causing her to quiver with anticipation. Edging closer and closer with each caress.

Bella moaned and pleaded. She was perched on the edge of a precipice and with just one more flick of my tongue she would very likely freefall into bliss, taking me along with her. Her eyes burned with an ocher flame as the firelight flickered across them.

“I need you as I have never needed before.” I growled as my lips moved hungrily over her throat, kissing and licking until my bottom lip touched the tips of the heated scars Jacob’s claws had left in her perfect skin.

Bella’s breath caught in her throat as I froze in place. I knew she could feel the difference between my icy lips and the heat that remained in the four jagged lines she would carry for all eternity.

It was then I made a promise…

Jacob Black, I fully accept that which I cannot change. I will never again allow my fear of her love for you to interfere with Bella’s happiness or mine. I will claim this scarred piece of her flesh as my own, as I claim the rest of her body and if it brings her more pleasure in the claiming, so be it. If I must share her with you in our marriage bed, I will do all in my power to hold her mind, body and soul totally and completely to mine if only for those few small hours.

I touched my lips to the four pale reminders of her fragile human life, caressing them. Then placing my tongue at the base, I licked them long and slow, enjoying the warmth that spread throughout my mouth. Then, nipped at them, bit them softly as Bella’s body rocked beneath mine. There was no mistake. There was definitely something about my icy mouth on her small streaks of warm flesh that sent both of us escalating even further out of control.

“I can’t…” She whimpered. The force of her oncoming release curved her body away from me, pressing her into the unyielding carpet.

I couldn’t stop kissing her, licking her, biting at her delicious neck as I claimed it as my own. Her strong legs came up around my waist, guiding me, opening to graciously accept the entire rigid length of me.

I moved slowly, filling her in one long deep undeniably exquisite stroke, completing our joining. My entire body quaked as lightning passed through me in almost blinding waves of unbelievable pleasure. Bella’s intense womanly fragrance seemed to seep into my skin, become part of me, filled my lungs, intoxicated me. Her luscious sultry moans mixed with mine in an impassioned love song that filled every corner of the huge penthouse.

Lost to our desire, I plunged deeper with each controlled thrust. Moaning and purring, Bella moved her body in perfect rhythm with mine. Every move she made drove me deeper and deeper, farther and farther into her as her body melted all around me. All the while, my mouth moved slowly over her scars, tasting, nibbling, grazing my teeth over them.

Then, in my desperate animal need to claim what was mine, I bit down, gently increasing the pressure as her body suddenly bucked, drove up into me hard, as her muscles tightened around me in response. She trembled beneath me, shuddering as I continued to slowly and smoothly moved within her, carrying her along with me to that one moment of indescribable ecstasy.

Lightning built to delicious extremes. With a deep husky growl, the need to release all that I held for her overcame me. Locked in an almost bone crushing embrace, my energy seemed to implode, drawing inward in a tight swirling mass somewhere deep inside before blasting into Bella with incredible intensity. Just as it hit her, she exploded. Sending off her own energy with amazing force, pulling me in deeper, gripping me as I poured myself into her in great throbbing pulses. I held her firmly, my arms wrapped tightly around her back, her soft breasts crushed into my chest, my face buried in her neck. Both of us breathless as I continued to move within her, riding wave after wave of unimaginable bliss.

This is how it has to be. I will have it no other way. Bella is mine. Mine alone. No one, real as the Volturi or in a memory as Jacob, will ever take her from me.

As I buried my still rigid length deep inside of her, I raised up on my arms, looking down into her beautiful face as I felt the dark pooling sensation in my eyes. Not from hunger or from anger, but from the sheer need to hold her completely. To convey to her in so many words that I would never leave her side, nor allow her to be taken from me.

“You belong to me, Bella, as I belong to you and nothing or no one will ever come between us.” It was a deep growling pledge that rumbled low throughout the entire room.

Her golden eyes darkened to a smoldering sensuous topaz.

“No one will ever come between us, Edward. No one … ever.” Her sweet voice resonated with power, vibrating through my muscles and into my bones. The truth of it, her deep sincerity, the fierce possessiveness that embraced me with each word was unmistakable. Though I knew she was more than capable of destroying anyone who threatened to take her from me, I would never allow the situation to come about. I would always protect her, never let her carry the burden of guilt from taking a life, human, vampire or werewolf.

Her hands moved over me, touching me with such love and devotion, I wished I could cry for joy. Her fingers found my neck, wrapped around and into my hair, pulling my lips down to hers.

I had wanted to take her slowly, touch her, taste her and cover every inch of her sweet skin in kisses before indulging my own needs. However, all hope in taking my time had been swept from my mind the second the elevator doors closed us in together.

Still so deeply merged with my beloved, I lowered my body and began moving with long even strokes as my fingertips brushed her silky face. Her golden eyes flickered with yellow and orange flames that seemed to have nothing to do with the fire that burned next to us, but everything to do with her love for me. Once again, there was little need for words between us. Her magnificent gift absorbed all that I felt for her and gave back to me all the love, passion and desire that I could ever hope to be worthy of.

After having shared myself with her, hopefully, I would have the strength of will to take my time. Worship her slowly, leisurely, fully, with abandon and without reservation. Declare my love for her in every way possible, through my body, my hands, my mouth and my words. Invite her to join me in a very different kind of dance than we had shared earlier in the evening. The dance I wished to share with her from that moment on, until we ceased to exist, was beautifully dark and sensual, filled with erotic temptation and undying love. To share eternity enjoying the touch of her sweet lips, the feel of her velvety skin, the beautiful melodic sound of her voice, was everything and more than I could ever wish for.