Let's get down to it, shall we?

Disclaimer: I don't own them. They own me.

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

"Chasing Cars" ~ Snow Patrol

x

xx

xxx

They held each other closely and kissed for longer than was appropriate in a crowded room, only breaking apart when someone cleared their voice softly and tapped Edward on the shoulder. With her cheeks coloring brightly, Bella shyly looked over and was surprised to see the face of a trendy-looking redhead smiling back at the both of them.

"I'm very sorry to interrupt, Edward, but I just wanted to thank you once again for thinking of Breaking Dawn. This is by far the most successful opening I've ever seen here."

"Don't be silly," he smiled warmly. "You were the one who did me the favor of setting this up with such short notice, nobody else would touch it. I should be the one thanking you."

"Well, their loss is my gain," she laughed. "I don't like to be bound as tightly as some of the stuffier galleries around here. As soon as I heard that your name was attached, I was all in." She smiled at the beautiful brunette on Edward's arm, but right as she was holding her hand out to introduce herself, something that looked like a flicker of recognition flashed across her face. "Oh my god... you're her, aren't you?"

Bella blinked a few times, not knowing what to make of the animated woman. "Her?"

"Yes! Her." She swept her hand out, gesturing around the room at the many different canvases on the walls. "I would know those brown eyes anywhere."

Bella felt her face coloring a deeper shade of pink under the mystery woman's scrutiny. She followed the direction that her hand currently pointed and saw another large painting, this one showing nothing but a close up of her own eyes staring back at her in what could only be described as a very heated gaze.

"I'm sorry, where are my manners?" Edward cut in. "Bella, this is Maggie. She owns this lovely gallery and is the sole reason that I was able to put this together for you so quickly. And Maggie," he smiled proudly, pulling Bella to his side. "This is my Bella."

"Her name is really Bella?" Maggie gaped.

"Of course. That's what made me think of the title of the show," Edward chuckled.

"What does it mean?" Bella asked, nodding to the lettering. "I know Bella means beautiful, but what about the rest of it?"

He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "It means 'my beautiful woman,' which is what you are. I wanted to work your name into it without it being obvious to those who don't know you."

"Well, Bella, may I just say that you are every bit as lovely as his paintings led me to believe," Maggie smiled, finally shaking her hand. "Some artist's renderings glorify and glamorize the subject so much that I can barely see the real people any more, but not so with Edward. There is so much truth and love in these images, I had no trouble seeing it, and these aren't even full portraits of you!"

"Thank you," she smiled. "Your gallery is truly lovely. I haven't really been to many, mostly museums, but I like how cozy and warm it feels here."

"I told you so, darling!" an extremely tall, regal looking woman said excitedly as she came up behind Maggie and draped her arm around her shoulder, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on her cheek. "Didn't I tell you the very same thing?" She looked at Bella and smiled brightly. When she spoke again, the faintest hint of an Irish accent could be heard. "This place feels comfortable, not like those cold galleries down the street."

It was Maggie's turn to blush at the loving praise. "Edward, Bella, I'd like you to meet my wife, Siobhan."

"A pleasure, Siobhan," Edward said as he shook her hand.

"No, the pleasure is all here, believe me. We have been such fans of your work for years. There is so much raw emotion in some of your pieces, I can't tell you how overwhelming it feels to stand in front of so many of them at once."

"Thank you. That's a lovely compliment." He absentmindedly pulled Bella a little closer to his side, as if simply being near her would give him the strength to face the long night of questions and opinions ahead of him.

"Have you two had the chance to look around yet?"

"Not exactly," Bella laughed lightly. "We were sort of... distracted at first. But I can't wait to see everything."

"Well, don't let me interrupt you any longer. I simply wanted to tell Maggie that we have reached capacity."

"Already?" Maggie gasped.

"Calm down, love. I just thought you might want to go over some more details with Demetri before the line gets any longer outside."

"I'm so sorry," Maggie apologized. "Edward, Bella? Would you please excuse us?"

"Of course," Edward nodded. "I've been dying to give this one a proper tour, anyway." Bella could feel his fingertips squeezing her hip possessively as he spoke.

"By all means, show the poor girl around. Let her see all of these amazing paintings she inspired!" Maggie reached out and hugged them both quickly. "Edward, I'll find you later if there are any questions or problems. Be sure to stop by the refreshment table for wine and cheese later. If they haven't eaten it all by then, of course," she frowned.

Bella smiled after them as both women scurried away to speak with the doorman. "Wow, they seem... elegantly frazzled."

"Yeah, I don't think they were expecting such a big turnout so early." He paused for a moment to look down at her, his eyes lingering over her strategically accentuated curves as they roved over her body openly. When his gaze finally settled on her own, it was full of heat. "I can't get over how amazing you look tonight." He exhaled loudly, shoving his hand through his hair. "How about we have that tour?"

"I'd like that." Whatever keeps me from attacking you in public, Edward.

They slowly made the rounds, sipping on champagne as they walked, Bella refusing to skip over one single piece. There were so many touching images that she lost count how many times she began to tear up. Many were like the two she'd already seen, small pieces of her that he had come to memorize, while others were more symbolic. She saw a few with a bare mattress in the background, mixed in with other reminders of days gone by, like the candle and chocolates from their Valentine's picnic.

Edward was quiet as she looked, watching her for her reactions. He was always right behind her if she wanted to ask him something about one of them, or simply there for her if she needed him to hold her and reassure her of his presence. Nothing was graphic or too revealing, but there were more than a few times that she buried her face in his chest to hide her blush, overcome by the sensuality of the memory captured.

One painting in particular caused her to stop in her tracks, covering her mouth to hide her gasp. Edward closed the distance between them and slowly wrapped his hands around her middle, pulling her back against his chest as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Do you remember that night, Bella?" She felt his warm breath tickle her neck, and the sensation of that mixed with the seductive purr of his voice caused her flesh to tingle and her nipples to harden.

"Yes," she breathed, almost no sound to her voice. The painting showed the silhouette of two lovers dancing, locked in a heated embrace as the male figure dipped the female over a bed. "Our Tango."

"I knew I loved you, even then," he said against her skin as he softly kissed below her ear. "I wish I'd had the courage to just tell you."

"I could say the exact same thing," she said without taking her eyes off the canvas.

"Do you remember how our bodies moved together that night?" He continued to assault her senses, kissing and blowing along the length of her neck as he spoke. "I felt your soul. Being with you is like a religious experience."

"Of course I remember," she panted, nearly swooning from the effects of the champagne and his proximity. "I remember everything."

"Good." He kissed the top of her shoulder, sending ripples of pleasure down her body until moisture was pooling between her thighs. "I can't wait to start making a lifetime of new memories with you."

"Starting tonight?" she whispered, unable to hide the hopefulness in her voice. Edward pulled her back into him more tightly, slowly thrusting his hips forward until she felt his hardness rubbing against her lower back.

"Starting tonight," he growled.

Bella turned and looked up at him hungrily, the words let's get the hell out of here on the tip of her tongue, when a familiar voice rang out behind them. "There you are!"

Edward winced, already knowing without looking who the voice belonged to, and who exactly he would see if he were to turn around. He took a deep breath and counted to ten, willing his body to calm down. Mouthing the words soon, I promise to Bella, he planted a strained smile on his face and turned around to greet his entire family.

Alice had been the one to call out, and when Bella saw that she was surrounded by everyone else important in Edward's life, she finally lost her battle with her tears. As they streamed down her face, she ran forward and hugged both Alice and Rose, scolding them for keeping her in the dark about such an important event.

"Hey, don't blame us, we were sworn to secrecy!" Alice replied. "Our job was to get you ready for your date and keep you distracted. If we had let it slip, Edward wasn't going to let us in."

"Yeah, it was hard enough getting in as it was," Jasper laughed over Alice's shoulder. "Even having our name on the list and being related to the artist wasn't enough to get through the front door any faster."

"Sorry about that, guys." Edward rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. "I guess they're at capacity, and Maggie can only let in so many people as the others leave. I should have been watching for you, maybe there's something I could have done."

"Don't be silly!" Esme piped up, previously hidden behind Emmett and Carlisle as they each glanced around at different paintings. She walked forward and put her hands on Edward's shoulders, staring up into his worried eyes. "I was happy to wait. I was so proud that my talented son had so many people excited to see his work. And darling," she sighed, "you've outdone yourself. These are breathtaking."

"Really?" He had shown his work in galleries around the world, never once feeling awkward or seeking approval, but the moment his parents stood before him, Edward felt like a six year old child holding up a doodle that he hoped they might display on the refrigerator.

"Absolutely," Carlisle nodded, joining his wife in congratulating him. "Son, you know that I have followed your progress through the years. I will gladly admit that I'm more than a bit biased, but these are simply amazing. It's your best work yet."

Edward nodded sharply, swallowing past the painful lump in his throat. "Thank you," he uttered with a wavering voice. "That... really means a lot to me."

"Just as finally being here for you really means a lot to us. Thank you for letting us share this with you." Carlisle glanced between his wife and his son, leaning forward to speak more softly. "It's obvious how much you love her, Edward. I don't know what I'm more proud of right now."

Before Edward could offer another choked up reply, he was saved by his brother's interruption. "Dude, these paintings are fucking hot," Emmett laughed, clapping him on the back roughly.

"Emmett! Language!" Esme scolded. "I know you're a grown man, but could you at least try to keep your voice down when you speak like that?"

"Sorry, Mom," he chuckled, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek loudly. "Why don't you two finish walking around? I know you haven't looked at everything yet. Alice and Rose just stole Bella to ask her embarrassing questions about these paintings; I'm sure you could catch up to them."

"No, no. Let them have their privacy. Come on, darling," she sighed, grabbing onto Carlisle's arm. "Let's finish appreciating our son's gift."

Emmett waited until they had walked far enough away to be out of earshot before speaking again. "So? Spill it. Did your grand gesture work?"

"Apparently so," Edward whispered. "She hasn't slapped me yet, and she seems to be moved by many of the pieces."

"I told you she would love it."

"Yes, I know. I was just worried that this might be too much to take in at once, you know? Not everyone would be able to handle seeing so many intimate details of their private life displayed all over like this."

"True, but these are really tasteful. I'm just glad you took my advice and pulled those other two."

"Emmett, I never intended on showing those; they were just for me. You would have never seen them either if you hadn't knocked me unconscious and gone snooping that day."

"I wasn't snooping, they were sitting out." He watched as his brother arched an eyebrow at him in disbelief. "Dude, whatever. I'm just happy that her nips aren't up here for any old perv to stare at. That might have been too much for her, and then I would've had to kick your ass again."

"You really do care about her, don't you?"

"I told you before, she's like a sister to me now. Not just me... all of us."

"I'm really glad. She's never had siblings before, and I know how much you all mean to her now."

"Well... it's definitely mutual. So take good care of her."

Across the room, Bella was undergoing a similar line of questioning with Rose and Alice.

"You sure you're okay with all of this? I mean, it's so romantic, but I'm sure it's probably a bit overwhelming, too."

"Alice, I'm good. No need to worry. Yes, it's overwhelming, but mostly because I just want to be alone with him right now and I can't be."

"That's my girl!" Rose said proudly, squeezing her on the shoulder. "I knew you would be fine with all of this. And I must say, these paintings are so... erotic! I never knew Mr. Stick-in-the-mud had it in him."

"So he's got the Rosalie Cullen smut seal of approval?" Bella teased.

"Most definitely! Now, my dear... tell me more about this Tango painting," Rose grabbed her arm and led her back to where they had started. "I am more than intrigued."

~/LTIF\~

It took over an hour for Edward to finally break free of the curious onlookers who set upon him after his conversation with Emmett. Three different reporters had spoken with him, taking his picture in front of some of the larger paintings that would translate well in the newspaper. It had all been a giant blur to him, though, his only concern being Bella and making sure that she was alright. No matter what he'd been doing at the time, he managed to search her out in the crowd. As if she could feel his eyes on her, she would always look up and smile, letting him know that she would be there for him when he was done.

And after their heated exchange in front of the painting earlier, he couldn't be done fast enough.

He needed her with such a ferocious intensity that it was becoming painful. Not only for his insistent erection that would resurface every time he thought of her, but for the ache in his chest that had been growing ever since she had walked away with his sisters.

Just knowing that they were finally going to consummate their official relationship had him feeling possessive and needy. Bella had been patient and allowed him to show her in his own way how much he loved her, and now that he was ready for everything that she was willing to give him in return... he was feeling extremely greedy.

When he spotted Bella speaking with Maggie and Siobhan again, he made his move. Coming up behind her and wrapping his hand tightly around her waist, he smiled at the two women before turning his attention to Bella. "Can I tempt you to leave?" he asked quietly.

"Edward, you are walking temptation," she whispered back, her sweet breath floating over his skin like a lover's caress. "All you have to do is say the word and I am all yours."

"Ladies," he said, holding his hand out to Maggie and Siobhan. "It was a pleasure, but I'm afraid we must be going."

"Yes, I can see that," Siobhan giggled.

"Thank you for everything tonight, Maggie. I look forward to working with you again in the future."

"Likewise. I'll contact Peter after the weekend with the final sales figures."

With one last nod goodbye, Edward steered Bella towards the exit. The moment they stepped outside his phone was in his hand and he was pressing a number on his speed dial. "Yes, this is Edward Cullen. I expect to arrive in less than twenty minutes." He listened briefly as they walked back to the car. "Yes, that's correct. All the arrangements have been made with the manager." He hung up abruptly, clearly in demanding business mode, and Bella hated to admit to herself how much it turned her on.

When they reached the car in the back parking lot he pressed the remote to unlock the door for her, but as soon as she tried to open it he pinned her roughly up against the side of the car, effectively slamming the door shut again.

"I need you, Bella," he growled in her ear, pressing his hardened body into her back again. "I've never needed you so badly."

"Oh god, me either!" she gasped, leaning her head back on his shoulder. "I'm almost in pain."

Edward's hand slid around the front of her dress, reaching up to cup her breast through the fabric. He bent down and nipped at the exposed flesh of her neck before licking his way up to her earlobe. After sucking it between his teeth and biting lightly, he released her long enough to whisper in her ear. "I wanted our first time together again to be sweet and loving, but I don't think I'm going to manage that tonight. I'm hurting for you, Bella. Can you forgive my weakness?"

She pushed him back enough so that she could turn around and face him. "Edward, it's not weakness. It's still going to be loving; I love you and you love me." Her voice dropped lower until it was almost husky sounding. "Now get me to the fucking hotel and lovingly fuck my brains out!"

He didn't need to be told twice. Without another word he opened the door for her, closing it quickly behind her and jumping in, speeding off into the night. Unwilling to let any distance intrude as they drove, Bella scooted closer and put her hand on his thigh. She could feel from how tightly the muscles contracted under her fingers that he was barely staying in control.

"You're playing with fire, little girl," he snarled through his teeth without taking his eyes off the road.

"Good," she replied, taking her hand back and slowly lifting her dress to the top of her thighs. "Because I've got something over here that's rather scorching as well."

Edward glanced over long enough to get a glimpse of black garter straps attached to the sexiest pair of thigh-high stockings he'd ever seen. There were tiny blue bows at the end of each strap, and when he looked closer he could see that she also wore a black satin g-string with a matching blue bow.

Looking back just in time to see that he was about to run a red light, he screeched to a stop. "Fuck! Are you trying to get us killed?" he hissed, turning to stare openly at her display. "Jesus Christ, Bella... what the fuck are you wearing?"

"A present."

He reached over and delicately brushed his fingertips against the straps on her thighs. "A present, huh? Who's it for?" He moved his fingers higher and inwards, sliding through the dampness that had collected at the top of her thighs until he was brushing against wet satin.

"You," she moaned. "Always you."

He breathed deeply for a moment, trying to collect himself. When he spoke again, it was with a shaking voice. "God Bella...you're fucking soaked."

She put her hand on his cheek, directing him to meet her heavy-lidded gaze. "You, Edward. It's always for you."

Just then a loud horn blared behind them, alerting them that the light had changed.

"Alright," he gulped, crossing through the intersection."I'm driving again. Maybe you should cover back up so I can concentrate."

"Is that what you really want?" she asked playfully.

"No."

"That's what I thought," she giggled. "I think you'd much rather see something like this." Bella lifted her right foot until her new sexy high heel was resting on the dashboard, opening her legs up more widely. He groaned loudly and went to reach for her, but she slapped his hand away. "No, sir. Hands on the steering wheel."

Once she saw his hand return to the wheel, she slid her fingers inside the tiny scrap of fabric masquerading as underwear and began to touch herself slowly. Her slick folds were swollen with need, and even when she began to stroke small circles around her throbbing clitoris, it only made her feel more hollow inside.

"God... baby... I need you inside here so badly," she nearly whined, her actions sending tremors through her legs and making them shake visibly.

"Fuck!" he gritted through his teeth, clenching his jaw tighter as he floored the accelerator. He would only allow himself furtive glances at the most erotic thing he'd ever witnessed, knowing that if he actually turned his head to stare he would end up crashing. "Soon, baby. I promise. We're almost there. There's nowhere else safe to stop on the way, or I would already be pounding into you."

"Hurry!" she cried, her inner walls beginning to clamp down on the single finger that she had slipped inside herself.

"Christ, you're too sexy for your own good," he ground out, wiping away a sudden sheen of sweat from his brow. "Come for me, baby. Just let go, and I'll make you feel even better in just a few minutes. Come all over those pretty little fingers and let me taste it."

His words were her undoing, his dirty talk sending sparks straight to where she was touching until she was crying out so loudly in the car that it echoed in his ear. Her body spasmed, flooding her fingers with a fresh coating of her juices. Sitting up quickly, she leaned over and shoved two glistening fingertips into his eager mouth.

Grunting around her digits as he sucked them clean, Edward silently prayed that he would be able to get her upstairs to the room without embarrassing himself in his expensive new suit. The sign for the Four Seasons Hotel appeared as he turned the corner, and the sigh of relief he let loose was almost comical.

"Oh thank fuck! We're here, baby. Come on, cover back up before we reach valet and we'll be in the room before you know it."

After he pulled up to the curb to let her out, Bella stood for a moment on wobbly legs before she made her way slowly to the front door. Edward noticed the valet watching her appreciatively as she walked away, causing him to shoot him a stern look of warning before surrendering his car to him. As soon as he opened the door and sat down in Edward's place, the very distinct smell of delicious, aroused Bella wafted out into the night. The valet's eyes nearly crossed, and he was unable to hide a quiet grunt.

"Fuck, dude. Good for you." And with that he shut the door and drove off.

Edward wanted to be angry and offended, but he just couldn't find the energy; Bella was waiting for him. He ran after her, catching her just inside the front lobby.

"What about our luggage?" she asked, almost in a daze.

"Don't worry, it's already upstairs. I checked us in earlier this afternoon." He guided her into the elevator, keeping an eye out for any sudden extra passengers. The moment the doors closed, Bella was all over him.

"God... I want you," she panted against his neck, flicking her tongue over his skin before nipping and biting at his Adam's apple. She ran her hands down the front of his body and rubbed his erection through his pants, smiling at the feel of the vibrations under her lips when he threw his head back and moaned. When he tried to speak again, it was punctuated with tiny whimpers.

"Bella … baby … fuck!" He grabbed her shoulders, trying halfheartedly to push her away. "Baby, you gotta stop for a minute."

"Why?"

"Because I'm gonna come all over you if you don't." He took a deep breath to collect himself before continuing. "Now, as fun as that might sound if we were in bed and completely naked, I'd rather not explore that fully dressed in a public elevator."

"I'm sorry," she said, pulling farther back.

"Don't be sorry, just try to save it for the room. I'm wound so tightly after what you just did in the car, the littlest thing could set me off."

"So you liked it?" She smiled up at him shyly, biting her bottom lip.

"Like is an understatement." He bent down and kissed her quickly. When he pulled away, the ding sounded to alert them that they had arrived at their floor. As soon as the doors opened, Edward breathed a sigh of relief, grabbing Bella's hand and running down the hall.

They kissed awkwardly and frantically the entire time he unlocked and opened the door, refusing to stop even as they walked inside. It wasn't until the door slammed shut behind them that they broke apart, and that was only long enough for Bella to shove him back against it. She kissed him furiously, pulling and tugging at the button on his pants before slowly lowering to her knees in front of him.

"Whoa, what are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious?" she smirked up at him, unzipping his fly. "I'm relieving a little bit of tension." With that, she pulled him free and immediately sucked him deep into her mouth.

"Fuck!" he cried out, the wet heat of her lips and tongue surrounding him more than he was ready for. Shoving his hands into her hair, Edward could no longer hold back how badly he needed her. "God yes! You look so fucking good like that, baby, with your lips wrapped around my cock."

Hearing him talk like that only made her moan around him loudly, sending vibrations through his body as she bobbed her head up and down his shaft. After barely thirty seconds, Edward knew that he was done for.

"Oh god... baby, I'm gonna... oh fuck!" He clenched his jaw tightly and pounded his head into the door, feeling the warm rush of pleasure beginning to flood through him much too quickly. Finally he surrendered to it, gripping the back of her head and thrusting once, twice, until he felt himself explode with blinding pleasure.

Bella swallowed his release happily, thrilled that she could affect him so quickly. She knew it was a blow to a guy's ego when he finished so fast, but sometimes it made her feel sexy and powerful. Especially with oral... it let her know that she was just doing a good job.

It was Edward's turn to stand on wobbly legs as he tucked himself away and helped her back to her feet. "What was that for?" he panted.

"Well, you said that you were going to go at any second. I thought I'd just help that along so we could focus on each other again as soon as possible. Now, why don't you help me get out of this dress?" She turned her back to him, presenting him with a long zipper.

Knowing that more delicious secrets lay hidden underneath her dress, Edward happily pulled on the cool metal tab, watching as the teeth separated one by one. They were both holding their breath in anticipation, and the sound of the zipper opening was almost deafening in the room. When it was fully open they both let the dress drop to the floor and Bella stepped out of it, slowly turning around to face him.

And that's right about the same time that Edward thought he might swallow his own tongue.

"Jesus..." he gasped, unable to think of anything more coherent. She was stunning; a sinful vision in black satin with light blue trim.

"You like?" she smiled timidly.

"Turn around," he growled. "Slowly."

He watched with hungry eyes as she spun around for him, showing off her amazing curves that were accentuated even more by the things she was wearing. Her ass had never looked better, and it was framed perfectly by the garter straps, corset and stockings. He was amazed to feel himself already stirring in his boxers, and every new angle she presented him only made his fingers itch to touch her more.

When she finished her rotation, it was to find him staring at her almost slack-jawed. Without saying a word he stalked towards her, scooping her up into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom. When they crossed the threshold she gasped loudly, taking in everything that he had prepared.

Candles were everywhere, lighting the entire room with a golden glow. Rose petals had been scattered over the floor and the bed, and champagne was chilling on a small table in the corner.

It was the single most romantic thing anyone had ever done for her.

Sitting her down gently at the foot of the bed, Edward stepped back far enough to look down at her. He continued to stare, never moving his gaze from her own as he silently removed his suit piece by piece and draped it over the back of the nearest chair. First his tie, then he slowly unbuttoned his shirt; his own version of a striptease for her. It was difficult for Bella to maintain eye contact when more and more of his amazing body was being put on display, like the world's most delicious gift was unwrapping itself for her.

When he was finally down to nothing but his boxer briefs he dropped to his knees, positioning himself between her thighs. Reaching out, he slowly began unsnapping the garters from her stockings.

"Did you want me to take all this off?" she whispered. Something about how quiet he was being made her feel that it would be wrong to raise her voice any higher.

He only shook his head in response, reaching up to grab the thin straps of her tiny panties. When he began to tug on them, she leaned back on her elbows and lifted off the mattress, allowing him to pull them the rest of the way down. After tossing them over his shoulder, he quickly reattached the straps to her stockings.

Sliding his hands between and underneath her thighs until he was gripping her by the hips, he dragged her to the edge of the bed, spreading her legs wider around him as she moved closer. He stared down at her for a moment, her slick folds open before him, framed once again by her straps and stockings.

"That... is the sexiest fucking thing I've ever seen in my entire life." His voice was little more than a low growl. Without another word, he buried his face between her legs, lapping at her wet flesh greedily.

She barely had time to process what was happening, it was a full-on assault of her senses. The smell of him filled the room, the feeling of his tongue flicking and stroking her drove her to the brink of insanity, the grunts and snarls he was making echoed through her head like the most animalistic soundtrack she had ever heard. And the sight of him? Only one look down to see him lost in the pleasure of feasting on her was all it took to send her careening over the edge violently.

As she began to shake and scream her release, Edward pulled her into his mouth more roughly, grinding her against the flat of his tongue before sucking at her swollen bundle of nerves. When she had finally stopped shaking he pulled away and stood up, looking down at her ravenously.

She watched as he slowly removed his last remaining article of clothing, nearly weeping when she saw that he was fully aroused again, his glorious erection straining back towards his stomach.

"Fuck... I need you so badly," she whimpered, unable to pull her eyes away from his arousal. She could swear that she saw it twitch when she spoke.

"Like what you see?" He reached down and grabbed himself, pumping once, twice. She watched as the swollen tip turned a beautiful shade of violet with each movement of his hand.

"God... that's so fucking hot," she gasped. "Please come here. Please?"

"Scoot back," he commanded, his voice rough and gravelly.

Bella did as she was told, inching herself farther up the mattress to make room for him. When she lifted her feet to the bed for more leverage, she realized that she still had her high heels on. "Oh, I guess I should take these off, huh?"

"No!" he barked sharply. "You're not removing one fucking thing until I say so, got it?" She only nodded, unable to speak, too turned on to form any words.

Edward crawled onto the bed, sitting up on his knees between her legs. He grabbed her by the hips again and pulled her towards him, sliding her up over his bent knees until she was resting on his thighs. He looked down and saw that his cock was resting right above her glistening sex.

"I was wrong," he whispered. "That is the sexiest fucking thing I've ever seen in my life." He grabbed his painfully hard erection and rubbed the tip against her slick flesh, watching as her juices coated him. He swirled it around her clit a few times, loving the sounds it elicited from her, before lining himself up with her entrance. "Isabella?" He had never called her by her full name before, and the tone of his voice make her open her eyes and look up at him.

"Yes?"

"I want you to know that I love you."

She smiled brightly, reaching up quickly to squeeze his free hand. "I love you, too."

"But I'm going to fuck you now... and it's not going to be gentle."

"Thank god! Don't worry, we can do gentle another time."

"My thoughts exactly." With that, he shifted his hips and pushed inside her, slowly at first, savoring the feel of her tight walls stretching to accommodate him. "Oh... god!" he cried out, clenching his eyes shut and throwing his head back. When he looked back down at her, he had such a pained expression on his face that she worried something was wrong. "I thought I remembered how good you felt... I was so fucking wrong."

He began thrusting harder then, grabbing onto her hips as he pounded himself inside her. Bella wanted to talk to him, to tell him that it felt better than any of her memories, too, but the angle he was grinding into her made words impossible. So she moaned. And she grunted. And it felt so fucking good that she would have sold her soul to Satan himself if he had offered to never let it end.

Edward was hypnotized, watching their bodies join, watching his now glistening shaft sliding in and out of her as her inner muscles gripped him tightly. He moved one hand over until he was touching where they were connected, circling his thumb over her clit to add to the friction.

"Oh fuck!" she screamed loudly. That got the response he wanted. He felt her clamp down on him tightly, a warm rush of wetness coating him.

"That's it," he snarled through clenched teeth. "Come on me." He began pounding even harder, thrusting through her moans and cries. "Come all over my cock. It's been so fucking long since I've felt you."

When her shaking subsided he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her up, dragging her like a limp ragdoll until she was sitting up on his thighs. Once she felt her strength return, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders for balance, looking into his glowing eyes. He looked feral... and frantic... and sexy as hell.

Sliding one hand between their bodies, Edward pulled at her corset until her left breast was exposed, the tight pink nipple inviting him to feast. Growling low in his throat, he bent forward and captured it between his lips, sucking and biting as he continued to thrust so deep inside her that he wondered if he'd ever be free of her body, knowing deep in his soul that he never wanted to be.

After a few more violent thrusts, he knew that he wasn't going to make it any longer. It was all too much, the way she looked, the way she felt, even the scent of her wet pussy and the sweat on their bodies was driving him insane.

"Oh god," he moaned against her skin. "Do you think you can go again? I can't hold it any longer."

She nodded quickly, answering him through broken pants and sobs. "I'm so close... you feel so fucking good!"

He shifted his hips, grinding his pelvic bone into her more roughly, hoping it would provide the friction she needed but unable to focus any more than that with his own impending release.

"Oh god... that's it!" she screamed, her body clamping down on him tightly. "Oh fuck! Edward... god I love you!"

And he was gone. His orgasm shot through him like a rocket, sending his body up in flames in it's wake.

"Fuck, I love you!" he cried out, thrusting his hips frantically as he pumped his seed deep inside her. "Mine!" he growled possessively, one final thrust before he collapsed on his side, taking her with him.

They lay there together gasping for air, a tangled heap of sweaty limbs.

"That was... god, Edward, that was so..."

"Perfect."

"Perfect," she sighed, kissing him gently on the lips.

Their breathing began to even out as they rested, and right as Edward was about to drift off to a light sleep, Bella's hushed voice broke through the silence.

"You know, I am yours. And you're mine. For as long as you'll have me."

He reached out for her without opening his eyes, pulling her tighter into his side. When he felt her there he kissed her forehead reassuringly and began to fall back asleep.

"Forever," he whispered.

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Say it with me... AWWWWW! I hope that was worth the wait for some of you. Don't worry, there's more coming next chapter, they just needed a breather. ;-p

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who nominated and voted for LTIF in the Golden Lemon Awards. It won three out of the four it was nominated for this time, and that just makes me feel so proud and amazed. None of that would happen without you readers and I wanted you to know how much it means to me.