***The time has come…the fourth and final outtake of Love Will Keep Us There.

***Disclaimer…I still own nothing except for Claudia. She's my creation even if some of you don't like her. lol

***This one is dedicated to Jasper's Darlin' Kathy…she knows why!

'Edward/Claudia' Outtake

EPOV

I had just finished composing another piece for Cullen. In the past few months that I had been in Italy I had sent him seven CD's because Bella said he enjoyed listening to them every night before he went to sleep. I wished that I could be there in person to play the piano for him. I missed him, but I knew I was doing more good here because my being here allowed Jasper to be home with them.

It really wasn't as bad as I had originally anticipated. Of course, I'd much rather be home with my family, but three years really wasn't such a long time for a vampire. I had Alice to keep me company and I was thankful for that. She spent most of her time with Felix who was actually really nice and a perfect fit for her. She was happy here in her new life and I was glad that I could share that with her. We both lived in the castle and had adjoining rooms, but lately Alice was spending most of her evenings in Felix's room. The rooms were rather large almost like hotel suites, and I had lots of space; not that I really needed it. My only request was a piano. The room was also equipped with a bed, but it wasn't like I was using that for anything.

My days consisted of working with the newborns while they trained for battle, and I was becoming quite good at it, too. Through my power I was able to get inside their heads and determine which of them were hostile enough to serve the Volturi in the most aggressive way possible. My power also gave me an advantage; I could read the minds of Marcus, Caius and Aro as well and that was useful in determining if they were plotting anything against the Cullen's. So far they were not and they seemed generally happy with gaining me and Alice although I knew that Aro still harbored thoughts of persuading Jasper. As long as I existed that was never going to happen.

I spent most of my nights composing or playing the piano, but I had to admit my most favorite nights were those that I had spent with Claudia. When I first came here she kept her distance and let me get acclimated to my new life. She only came around a few days a week and Alice said she was giving me my space. As the weeks past I saw more and more of her; she became my personal tour guide of the city. We went to the finest shops, museums and restaurants (she ate; I watched). She was quite cultured and knew her surroundings well. She also accompanied me on my hunts and was becoming rather used to the animal blood that I collected for her. She hadn't touched human blood since I had been here. She said that she didn't want to make this transition any harder on me and that she wanted to try my way of life. Alice said that was Claudia's way of trying to tell me something.

I was becoming very successful at blocking Claudia's thoughts. The funny thing was with Bella that was all I ever wanted; to be able to hear what she was thinking, but with Claudia I liked to be kept guessing. Maybe I didn't want to know. In any case, I promised her that I would respect her thoughts and try my best to stay out of her head, but every once in a while it couldn't be helped especially when her thoughts turned a bit risqué. Last week she walked into my room as I was coming out of the shower and the images of what she imagined the two of us doing were too much for even me to block. When I questioned her she said that I was too hot for my own good and that I should go back into the bathroom, dry off and get dressed. I did what she asked, but even after a week later I still found myself wanting to do the things to her that she had me doing in her fantasy. After that encounter Alice called and told me that I had no excuse this time because Claudia was only half human and I wouldn't hurt her. Her exact words were 'get busy'. I had to laugh at that.

Claudia was so aggressive, but she wasn't making her move with me and since I refused to read her mind I couldn't tell what she wanted. Maybe we were only meant to be friends. If a girl like that really wanted me wouldn't she just tell me? I was so confused when it came to her. She was a strong, independent woman on one hand, but on the other she was vulnerable and was carrying so many unresolved feelings about her parents and childhood. We always seemed to have a good time together and I did enjoy her company, and I must admit on more than one occasion she had me extremely aroused. I liked the way she ran her fingers through her long black hair or the way she puckered her full lips when she was thinking. The thought of putting my mouth on said lips was enough to throw me over the edge. She smelled really good, too; like roses and a hint of vanilla. This was all new territory for me and it was so different from the way I felt about Bella. Claudia was no Bella and I think that was what was drawing me to her.

My phone started to vibrate in my pocket. I glanced at the clock and smiled. She was right on time. I flipped the phone open.

"Hello, Bella."

"Hey, Edward."

"How is my nephew?" I asked. We had done this everyday since I had been here. Bella would call me with my daily progress report on Cullen.

"He's great. Did you get the pictures I sent you?"

"Yes, he's getting so big."

"He's only three months old; he's tiny."

"Yes, but since the last time I saw him he's grown. I can't wait to see him next month."

"We are all so excited that you and Alice are coming home for the holidays. Wait until you see the new house here in Seattle."

"It can't come soon enough."

"I wish that Jasper, Cullen and I could come and visit you like the others can."

"It's not safe, Bella. Jasper can't come here and I certainly don't think you should expose Cullen to them. Alice and I will see you soon enough."

"Alice is bringing Felix with her." I knew what she was waiting for me to say.

"Yes, that's nice." I wanted to ask Claudia, but I didn't want to make her feel obligated.

"You know, Edward," she said and I knew it was coming. "Claudia said that she wanted to come back after Cullen was born, so I was thinking…"

I heard Claudia come into my room as Bella was persuading me to invite her home for the holidays. Claudia had really good hearing and I didn't want her to think we were talking about her even though we were. Oh, I was so confused.

"Love," I cut her off. "Claudia just walked in, so can I call you back?"

"Are you going to ask her?" She demanded.

"You'll be the first to know. Give Esme my love and tell the others I said hello."

"Edward!" She groaned. "What are you waiting for?"

I'd be damned if I knew. "Goodbye…"

I flipped the phone shut and turned to find Claudia staring at me. As usual she looked amazing and I suppressed the urge to take her in my arms and kiss her senseless. Her make up and hair were perfect, and I noticed since we had been hanging out she was trying to look more natural. She wasn't as hard as when we first met and her natural beauty was quite lovely. Maybe I should tell her? But, I didn't want to offend her. What was wrong with me?

Her dress! I'll tell her how nice she looks in that tight little, wrap dress with the thigh high boots. While her make up was getting softer, I swore her clothes were getting tighter and shorter, but I wasn't complaining. I pulled myself from these inappropriate thoughts and managed to speak.

"You look very nice." I smiled.

She walked over and kissed my cheek. "Thanks," she half smiled. "How's Bella?"

"She's really good and Cullen is getting so big." I offered because I felt like I needed to clarify why I was again on the phone with Bella. I wasn't sure why, but lately Claudia seemed bothered by it. "I'll show you the pictures she sent."

"Jasper sent them to my phone," she said. "He's adorable and I can't wait to meet him."

That should have been my cue, but I still wasn't sure that she would want to spend the holidays with my family. I was so tempted to get inside her head right now, but I promised her I wouldn't. "Did you make plans to go back to Washington?" I blurted out.

"Without you?" she was frustrated now and seemed a bit offended.

"Yes, I mean no. Would you want to go with me?"

"Would you want me there?" she asked as she plopped down on the bed leaning her head in her hand.

"Why wouldn't I?" She looked like she belonged there on my bed. I didn't know what possessed me, but I moved in next to her so that we were lying face to face. Her heart rate increased as soon as I got close. I pushed away a black strand that fell into her eyes.

"Maybe you wouldn't want Bella to see how close we've become."

"What does Bella have to do with this?"

"I don't know, love, you tell me." She was seething now as she stared directly into my eyes. She didn't look happy.

"Are you jealous?" I laughed at the absurdity of that statement.

"Why is that amusing?"

"Because you can have your pick of any guy you want and you don't seem like the kind of girl who would be jealous," I told her. "And by the way, you have nothing to be jealous about. Bella is married to my brother."

She jumped off the bed. "Maybe I don't want any guy and that's exactly what I'm talking about. You said I didn't need to be concerned because she was married to your brother, not because you weren't in love with her."

Oh, now I see. She was right, but I couldn't help the way I felt. "Claudia, I'll always love Bella." She turned around and headed for the door. I ran after her and stood in front of it before she could get to it.

"Get out of my way," she insisted and I could see the hurt in her face. I didn't want to be the cause of anymore pain for her.

"Not until you let me finish. I do love Bella, but there are different levels of love and I have accepted that she will never love me the way I once wanted her to. It's taken me some time and no, I'm not completely over her, but I can move on."

She puckered those lips because she was deep in thought and something inside me stirred. I wanted to put my mouth on hers.

"The question is will you move on with me?" I reached out and took her hand in mine.

She looked down at our joined hands. "I don't want to be your rebound. I've been waiting for you to let go of her and find your way to me, but that doesn't seem to be happening."

"I'm sorry, but I wasn't sure what you wanted from me."

"Why didn't you just ask me?"

"Claudia, I've enjoyed these past few months getting to know you. I'm starting to see you for who you really are and I like what I see."

She shook her head. "No one ever likes me for me."

"That's because you don't let them see the real you, but you've let your guard down with me and I know that without even reading your thoughts." I closed the space between us because I wanted to be closer to her; feel her breath on my lips.

"I like you Edward, but I'm not used to putting myself out there. I'm a one night stand type of girl." She shot me a wicked grin and again my insides stirred.

"And why is that?"

"If I don't get attached, I can't get hurt."

She had spent more than a lifetime seeking acceptance in my strange world. She wasn't fully human and she wasn't fully a vampire. Her parents did nothing to nurture her and help her find her way. No wonder she acted out in the ways she had. She was searching for something…someone.

"Do you think you could change that?" I asked hopeful.

"Do you think that you could commit to me fully? I can't be a substitute." She was putting herself out there and I wouldn't take that lightly.

I leaned my forehead to hers. She had dealt with so much rejection in her life and I knew in that moment that she was asking me for a promise. "If I didn't think I could I would let you walk out of here right now." I tangled her hair in my fingers and brought her lips to mine. She was full of fire and passion and I wasn't sure that I could keep up as we fought for dominance. I decided to let her lead since she was clearly the more experienced party.

She took my hands and led me back to the bed glancing back to smile at me. We stood at the edge as she slowly unbuttoned my shirt and ran her hands along my chest and stomach. She moved her hands along my shoulders pushing the shirt from my body. I felt the urge to kiss her again, so I pressed my lips against hers and I let my hands roam her back and hips. She was magnificent; her body wasn't quite as hard as mine, but it was perfectly toned and chiseled. I found the tie to her dress and slowly tugged on it until it opened in front revealing her black lace push up bra and matching thong. My insides weren't the only things stirring now as my pants became extremely uncomfortable. I slipped the dress off of her body leaving her in her underwear and thigh high boots. If that wasn't the sexiest image I had ever encountered…

I began placing open mouth kisses along her neck and shoulders as I let my hand gently move over her breasts. I could feel her nipples hardening under my palm. She reached down unbuckling my belt and releasing me from my pants. She pushed me into a seated position on the bed and stood in front of me as she slowly removed her boots; never taking her eyes away from mine. I pulled her closer to me and ran my tongue along the lacy material that covered her nipples. She threw her head back and moaned in pleasure. The scent of her arousal was overwhelming and I wanted to plunge my fingers into her hot center, but before I could she unclasped her bra granting me access to those beautiful breasts.

"Put your mouth on me," she demanded.

I gripped her back pressing my thumbs into her ribcage as I pulled her to my mouth. She twisted her fingers in my hair as I flicked my tongue over her nipple. She tasted so sweet and I found that I wanted more, so I took it into my mouth and began to suck and bite her. She moaned my name as I did the same to her other nipple. I moved my hands up over her breasts and lightly caressed them with my fingertips as I kissed and nipped at her hipbone. She pushed my hands down to her hips and guided me to pull her panties down and what I saw was the most erotic sight of my existence. I was eye level with her most intimate of parts and she had waxed. I almost came in my boxers.

She smiled at me. "Like what you see?"

"You're stunning." She took my breath away.

She straddled me and ground herself into my hard length. I growled in response as I grabbed her hair and pulled her closer to me thrusting my hips against her. If I kept that up I would be done before I even got my boxers off. She pushed me back on to the bed and slowly began to ride me. The friction she was creating was too much for me to handle.

"Oh…Claudia, if you want me to be worth anything we have to stop this…oh that feels good." She leaned down and tugged at my bottom lip with her teeth as she continued to violently thrust into me.

"Are you sure you want to take it that far tonight?"

Was she serious? Did she not feel how much I needed her? I took her face in between my hands and whispered, "Claudia, I want you and I want you now."

She quickly got up and with speed that I didn't know she possessed she was back on top of me before I knew it. She held up a foil packet that she retrieved from her purse. "If you would have used one of these last time you would have saved yourself a lot of trouble." She smiled as she ripped it open.

I rolled my eyes, but she was right; I couldn't argue that. With one quick tug she quickly ripped my boxers from my body. That was hot, but not as hot as her rolling that condom down my rock hard length. It twitched in anticipation. She positioned herself over my body and slowly worked her hot, wet sex down my shaft.

"Edward…" she moaned as she pulled my hands up to her breasts placing hers over mine as she rocked her hips toward me. She was in total control, but I liked it. She was taking my body down a road that I had never traveled. I wanted more. I thrust my hips upward eagerly meeting her deliberate movements. She seemed to like that as I felt her muscles begin to clench around me. I used my unfair advantage as I heard her chant in her head; harder…faster…

I happily obliged as I grabbed her hips and braced her for my assault. I pounded into her with the force that I knew her body could accept. She moaned in pleasure, "Edward…I'm going to …oh god…" She continued to wiggle her hips as I moved inside of her. I flipped us over so that I was now on top of her, never breaking our connection.

She arched a brow at me. "I'd like to be in control now," I barely breathed out. Suddenly I realized as I was hovering over her, and she was looking up at me that it wasn't just about the way she could make my body feel. I wanted more from her and I needed to show her we could have more than a physical link. As much as my body craved that quick release I held off so that I could make her see that she could never be a substitute for anyone else. I wanted Claudia and only Claudia.

"You're so beautiful… perfect actually." I whispered against her temple.

I placed soft kisses along her jaw working my way down her neck. Her skin was so soft and smooth and I liked the sensation it created under my lips. I caught her nipple between my teeth and carefully nipped at it. I knew there were many places of this fantastic creature's body that I wanted to explore, but I also knew we had nothing but time on our side. I started to move within her again as I brought my face back up to hers. She wrapped her legs around my hips and ran her fingers through my already messy hair.

"Claudia, you feel amazing…I've never felt this before." And, I didn't just mean what she was doing to me now.

She tightened her grip on my waist and squeezed her muscles around my shaft. Her physical strength proved to be a good thing as I thrust deeper into her core.

"Oh…please don't stop…" she moaned.

I had no intentions of ever stopping. I continued to move inside of her when I felt that tingling sensation rise up from within. My release was impending, but I wanted to bring her with me, so I reached down between us and massaged her clit. "Cum with me," I moaned out and before I knew it I was spilling inside of her.

"Edward!" she screamed out her release.

I took her face in my hands and gently kissed her lips. "Thank you," I kissed her again. "That was one of the best experiences of my existence."

She reached up and traced my lips with herr fingertips. "Don't thank me, the feeling was mutual, trust me. You have a hidden talent," she smiled.

I rolled off of her and pulled her into my arms. She was quiet for a few minutes, but I forced myself to stay out of her head. I probably didn't want to know what she was thinking especially if she had regretted what we had just shared. I didn't want her to feel like she owed me anything.

Finally I broke the silence, "Claudia, listen I…"

She cut me off. "No, I need to say something before I lose my nerve."

Great, here it comes.

"I've been with a lot of men," she informed me but that really wasn't news. As a matter of fact part of the reason I tried to stay out of her head was so that I didn't have to see her with all of those men. Was she going to tell me I didn't measure up? "It's always just been about sex, but tonight you did something for me that no one else ever has or ever could." She propped herself up so that she could look into my eyes. "You made love to me, Edward, I felt that."

I crushed my lips to hers because I wanted her to know how much she meant to me. "I want to see how far we can take this Claudia. I want to go all the way as I seem to be falling very hard for you."

"We can take it slow," she said. "I don't want to put any pressure on you."

I appreciated that gesture, but I was ready for all she had to offer me. "Not too slow I hope." I smirked at her.

"Edward Cullen, you have no idea just how many things I can teach you." She ran her tongue along my lips and she tasted delicious.

I thought back to all of her teasing when we first met; her wicked thoughts and propositions. "Back in Forks you promised to show me many things, but the one that intrigues me most is the reverse cowgirl." I shot her a crooked smile.

I had surprised her. "You knew what that meant?"

"I googled it," I reluctantly admitted.

She giggled as she collapsed back onto my chest. "Let me rest a minute and then I'll show you whatever you want."

A low growl rumbled from my chest in anticipation of just exactly what she could show me. I quickly got up and went to the bathroom to clean myself up. When I came back I noticed she was starting to drift off. I crawled in next to her and cuddled her into my chest.

"Claudia?"

"Hmm..."

"Will you spend the holidays with me in Seattle?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

I ran my fingers through her hair and kissed her head. For the first time in a long time I felt hopeful; like this could all work out.

***That's all she wrote folks. I hope you enjoyed my little indulgence. Thanks again for all of your love and support on this one.

***Don't forget to check out the 'For the Love of Jasper' Contest. There are some really great stories entered. Voting begins on October 5, 2009!

***Oh and you might want to check out my blog…Cullen818 (dot) blogspot (dot) com. The link is on my profile page.

I think there might be some information on there that many of you have been waiting for! A title and a chapter one release date. Is that cryptic enough?