This is an idea that I have had for a while, and I couldn't stop myself from writing it. For now it's just a one-shot, but depending on people's reactions I may continue it when my other fic is done.

I hope you enjoy it. :)

Jesus, it's freezing! Just a few more blocks, Bella. Then it's hot chocolate and a warm blanket for you.

I was trying to make my way home in what must have been the blizzard of the century. Ok, maybe that was an overstatement, but I could hardly see where I walked. Snow was coming out of the sky blinding my vision almost completely, as I stumbled through the deserted streets.

"Why did you come in to work on your day off to read in this weather?" they had asked me repeatedly.

To get away from my loser ex-boyfriend, who as we speak is moving out of my apartment.

I hadn't told them that for some reason, but now I wished that I had. The truth was that I was thrilled to finally be rid of Mike. Things had been awful for a long time, and walking in on him fucking some girl from his office had been something of a relief. Now I had an excuse to get him out of my life and out of my apartment. He had been horrible to me, but before that I had been too chickenshit to end it with him. He was my first serious boyfriend and I had never lived alone before. My friend Angela had moved out six months ago when her boyfriend Ben had invited her to come and live with him, and the prospect of conjugating with a perfect stranger was not enticing. In stead, I had agreed when Mike suggested that he could move in with me. But now he was gone, and I was not looking forward to being alone, although it was better than living with him any day.

Good riddance and I hope he's very happy with his office tramp!

I pulled my scarf up around my face and wrapped my arms around my torso, wishing that I would make it home soon. My coat was already completely soaked through, and my feet were practically numb from walking the short distance between the library and my apartment.

Just a little longer. Almost there.

"P-p-p-leeease."

I stopped in my tracks and looked around, feeling utterly confused.

Did I imagine that?

I brought my hand up to shield my eyes, and by the side of the building I saw something huddled on the ground. It was hardly visible, almost completely covered in snow.

Is that a person?!

I squinted and took a step closer to the unmoving shape which was pressed against the wall.

"Are you alright?" I asked uncertainly.

What do you think, brainiac? It's something like five degrees out here and snowing like crazy.

"P-please."

It came out low and pleading and my breath hitched in my throat. It was a man, and he was obviously in trouble.

He'll die out here in the cold.

I looked around for someone to help me, but by the looks of it we were the only two people foolish enough to be outside in this weather. I turned my attention to the man on the ground again. He was lying on his side facing the building, all curled up in a ball with his arms covering his head in a failed effort to stay warm. His clothes were worn and completely soaked through.

He's homeless. He has to be. Look at the rags he's wearing. Why isn't he in a shelter?

I couldn't linger here any longer. Should I maybe call the police and notify them? But the roads were impossible to drive, and by the time they got here he could have hypothermia or worse.

"Can you walk?" I asked and placed my mitten covered hand on his shoulder.

He recoiled instantly and pressed himself against the wall.

He's afraid of me!

"Hey, I won't hurt you. Let me take you inside," I said and pulled on his arm.

Inside? Inside where? Your apartment?! Bad idea, very bad idea.

But what else was I supposed to do? I couldn't just leave him out here to die. He lowered his arms and started to raise himself off the ground slowly. I saw that he had been shielding a backpack between his body and the wall. He almost slipped on his way up because his body was shaking so much.

He must be so cold! How long has he been out here?

I shivered in my warm clothes and couldn't imagine how much pain he must be in after having laid on the frosty ground for god knows how long. He found is footing and stood up next to me. My jaw dropped.

Holy shit! How tall is he?!

This was a full grown man. A full grown man, who I had just asked to come home with me. Alone. And he was a homeless stranger.

Bad idea, Bella. Really bad idea.

The man shivered violently next to me and almost dropped to his knees. Before I knew what I was doing I had my arm wrapped around his waist, and his arm slung over my shoulder for support. He was leaning on me and found his bearings again. I could hear his ragged breaths above me as he straightened himself a little and took some of his weight off me. He didn't smell like alcohol and that calmed me a little. He probably wasn't a drunk, but he was still really big and from what I could feel also strong. He could easily overpower me if he wanted to.

This is such a monumentally bad idea! But I can't just let him die out here!

Thankfully we were only a block from my apartment, and I did my best to keep him from falling as we both stumbled into my building and up the stairs. Once inside, he leaned against the wall with a heavy sigh of what I assumed was relief. I took of my wet coat, hat and mittens and turned to him.

"You…You should take off your coat. It's soaked," I said quietly.

He complied without a word, revealing more ragged old clothes underneath which incidentally were also wet.

Shit!

"Um. Wait here," I said, and rushed into the bedroom to see if I still had some of Mike's old clothes. I found everything from jeans to sweaters and even boxers that the bastard had left behind because he was too lazy to throw them out himself, and now I was actually grateful for it. I returned to the hallway and the man hadn't moved a muscle since I left him. His head was still down, and he shaking and holding himself tightly to find some warmth.

"Do you want a hot bath?" I blurted out.

What the fuck? A bath? Are you completely insane?!

But before I could retract the offer he nodded vigorously, and removed his black knitted gloves and hat. His hair was an indefinable color and looked like a bird's nest. He bent down to remove his boots and almost fell over in the process. I stood there watching him, and I realized that my heart was pounding wildly in my chest.

Of bad ideas this is the worst possible one! What the hell was I thinking?!

I felt myself start to back away as he advanced slowly with his backpack in his hand, but suddenly he stopped and looked up at me for the first time.

He's young!

The man couldn't have been more than thirty, but it was hard pinpoint his precise age behind the heavy stubble and the grime on his face. His eyes met mine for a second before he quickly lowered his head again and stared at the floor.

"Um, t-the b-bathroom is in here," I said shakily and remembered that I was still holding all of Mike's discarded clothes. I thrust them into his arms and opened the door to the bathroom for him. I didn't want to get into the small room with him where there was no escape, so I just motioned for him to walk in.

"Towels are in the closet," I told him as I took a step away from the door.

He nodded again and walked into the bathroom. I let out a shaky breath as he closed the door and locked himself in, and I heard him turn on the water for the tub.

What am I gonna do now? Call the police?

I could just imagine how that conversation would go:

Hello police?

Yes ma'am, what is your emergency?

There's a homeless man in my bathtub.

He broke into your house?

Err…not exactly. I sort of invited him.

Ma'am, do you realize that it's an offense to make prank calls to the police?

Oh, but I'm completely honest. He's in there right now probably using my honeysuckle scented bubble bath.

Goodbye, nutjob!

Ok, so calling the police probably wasn't an option. What could I do to get rid of him again?

Food! He's probably starving! Feed him and then he'll leave. Good plan, Bella!

I rushed into the kitchen and thanked my lucky stars that I had pot roast leftover from last night in the refrigerator. I wasn't used to cooking for just one person after I had kicked Mike out, and I had half a pot full just waiting to be reheated on the stove. I decided to slice him some bread as well to make it more filling. I put the pot on the burner and set the table for him. The absurdity of this situation wasn't lost on me, and my sole focus was getting the strange man the hell out of my apartment as soon as possible.

I could feel myself getting more and more worked up as the minutes passed. What if he wouldn't leave? I tiptoed out into the hallway and listened intently outside the door to the bathroom. I could hear him moving around in there and ran back into the kitchen with my heart in my throat.

It's ok, it's ok. He'll eat the food, leave and you can forget that this ever happened. Chuck it up to 'my boyfriend of three years just moved out' temporary insanity or something like that.

I took a deep breath and decided to get something to drink from the fridge. I turned around and almost bumped into the man who was hovering right behind be with his eyes fixed on the pot on the stove. I let out a shriek and he practically flew back against the wall, wide-eyed and panicked. My hand flew up to my throat and my pulse thundered in my ears.

Jesus Christ! Someone should put a bell on this guy!

I started to calm down again, and finally got a good look at him. I had been right in my first assessment of his age, and he looked to be in his mid-twenties like me. I could see that his hair was reddish and that he was very pale.

Wait? Did he shave? He did! He must have used one of my disposable razors.

His eyes were green and he had dark circles under them, which was the only thing that contradicted his otherwise ethereal-looking features. He was incredibly handsome, and I found it hard to tear my eyes away from his face. He was wearing a pair of jeans that Mike claimed had shrunk in the dryer, but the truth was the he had been in denial about the weight that he slowly gained, because he was both lazy and a glutton. He had a cream-colored sweater on that had been discarded because there was a small hole in one of the sleeves and some loose threads here and there. The clothes were almost a perfect fit and he looked good in them.

He also appeared to have calmed down some after my freak-out, but I could see that he was still breathing heavily as he gauged my movements. I cleared my throat and motioned to the table.

"Are you hungry?" I asked.

What an asinine question, Bella! Of course he is!

He nodded carefully and approached me with what seemed like extreme caution, as if he was expecting me to lunge myself at him. I made him a plate and walked over to him on weak knees. I was almost scared that he would hear my heart pounding in my chest, as I placed the food in front of him. He sat completely rigid until I scurried back to my place by the stove. The second I was out of his direct proximity he started shoving food into his mouth at lightning speed. He was crouched over his plate and his left arm was curled around it in a protective manner; as if he was expecting someone to take it away from him before he could finish.

I realized that in any other scenario I would have been considered incredibly rude, as I gawked at him while he ate. He grabbed the bread, dipped it in the sauce and proceeded to consume large bites faster than he could possibly swallow them.

He's gonna make himself sick.

"Hey, slow down," I said and took a step in his direction.

He flinched and crouched even more over the plate, effectively shielding it with his body. He let out a low noise that sounded like a growl, and I could see all his muscles were tense.

Holy shit! He thought I would take it away. And did he seriously just growl?

I took a step back again, and he relaxed a little. He sat up straighter and raised his head to meet my eyes.

"You'll make yourself sick if you eat so fast," I whispered.

He nodded once and went back to his plate, eating a little slower now and I think he even took his time to chew a couple of times before swallowing. His knife and fork danced over the plate and in less than five minutes he had devoured everything on it. He stopped abruptly then he realized that he was done, and his eyes had a distressed look in them.

"More?" I asked softly.

For the first time his lips curved up in a beautiful smile. It only lasted a second or two but it made my heart pound even faster than before. I approached him carefully, took his plate and put the last of the pot roast on it, making sure that I scraped the pot to get it all out. When I placed the plate in front of him he looked embarrassed and refused to accept it. He held it up to me even though he obviously wasn't full.

Why? Oh, because it's the last of it.

"I'm not hungry," I said, and waved my hand dismissively.

He eyed me carefully for a second before he assumed his previous crouched pose and started eating again, but this time he ate even slower and savored the food. I returned to the spot by the stove and watched him finish the plate. He leaned back and sighed, I assumed that it was happily. He bent down and rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He suddenly stopped and looked at me, for permission I think.

"Go ahead," I said, and grabbed him an ashtray and a lighter from the cupboard.

He gave me a quick smile and lit up. I watched as he inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. He exhaled the smoke and relaxed back in his chair. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at me again. I suddenly remembered that he hadn't had anything to drink and walked over to the fridge. I took out a bottle of water and a soda and placed them both in front of him. He opened the water immediately, and swallowed about half of it in huge gulps before returning it to the table.

He frowned all of a sudden, and quickly retrieved the pack of cigarettes and held it out to me.

Why the hell not? This night can't get any stranger. I might as well indulge a little.

I had quit a few years ago, but I figured that I deserved a smoke in this highly strange situation. I gingerly extracted one and lit it. I inhaled deeply as he had done and felt the familiar satisfying burn in my lunges. I could feel myself start to smile as I exhaled with closed eyes.

Jesus, I've missed that!
I opened my eyes and saw that he was grinning widely at my reaction.

"I used to smoke," I said simply and he nodded.

I got myself a coke from the fridge and he opened his as well. I jumped up on the counter next to the stove and turned on the radio. He smiled when he heard the music and relaxed completely in the chair. The silence hadn't exactly been uncomfortable, but it was a little unnerving when this man clearly was the epitome of the silent type. In fact, he hadn't said a word since we entered the apartment, and before that it was just the word 'please' which had alerted me to the fact that he was lying there on the cold sidewalk. I shuddered at the thought of what would have happened if I hadn't brought him up here. Frostbite? Organ failure? Death?

I shook my head and took another drag of the cigarette. The man was watching me intently and I squirmed under his gaze. He must have sensed that I was uncomfortable because he lowered his eyes and I followed them to his left hand. That's when I saw that his knuckles were chafed as if he had been in a fight. The other hand where he was holding the cigarette was likewise afflicted.

Who has he been fighting?

"What happened?" I asked and pointed to his knuckles.

He shrugged and held up his backpack.

"Someone tried to steal it?"

He nodded and looked sad.

"Is that everything you own?" I asked carefully.

Again a nod of the head, and a sad smile.

I felt terrible for him that he had to live like that. He seemed alright all things considered. People were always saying that the homeless were either insane or drug addicts, but this guy didn't seem to fit either stereotype. I noticed that he clenched and unclenched his fist and winced a little.

"Do you want some ice for that?" I asked.

He raised his eyebrows and gave me an amused look.

Why is he looking at me like that? Oh wait, I get it.

"Probably not, considering the condition I found you in, huh?" I said.

He chuckled softly and flicked the ash off his cigarette while he shook his head a little.

Yeah, 'silly girl', I agree.

"Do you want coffee?" I asked out of nowhere.

What are you doing? Stop offering him stuff and get him the hell out of here!

He looked surprised, but nodded his head and smiled. I jumped off the counter and started making it. Then I got out two mugs and some cookies. I figured I might as well pull out all the stops since a part of me apparently wanted him to stay a little longer. Had I really become so lonely and jaded that this was my idea of a good time? Hanging out with a handsome homeless man, who for all intents and purposes may as well have been a mute?

Apparently so.

I shook my head and handed him the plate of cookies.

"Milk and sugar?" I asked, and looked at him over my shoulder.

Nope. Same as me.

I poured the coffee for him and was about to go back to the counter, when he motioned to the chair across from him. He raised his eyebrows expectantly as if he was asking 'will you sit with me?'

Yeah, I can do that.

I got my own coffee and sat down. He stubbed out the smoke, leaned forward and held the mug between his hands and looked at me.

"Are you…are you waiting for me to say something?" I asked.

He nodded and smiled.

"Oh, like what?"

He pointed to me with his index finger.

"Bang! You're dead?" I said with a grin.

Unexpectedly, he threw his head back and laughed. I gaped at him as he shook with laughter, and I felt my lips smile so widely that it nearly hurt my face. I wanted to record that sound and play it over and over. He chuckled across from me and lit another cigarette. I took another since he offered, and then he pointed at me again with a smile.

"You want to know about me?"

He nodded.

"There really isn't much to tell. I'm twenty-five, I'm a librarian, I bring home men who like my cooking, but don't talk."

He snickered at my last remark and motioned for me to go on.

Why does he wanna know this? My life is so tedious that it bores even me to tears!

"Um, I went to college in Seattle, but moved here to Chicago afterwards with my roommate Angela when she got a great job. There are libraries everywhere so I could easily come along."

He looked around, apparently for Angela.

"Oh, I live alone now," I said. "She moved in with her boyfriend."

He nodded, but then grabbed the front of his sweater and eyed me questioningly.

"It was my ex boyfriend's," I said with a grimace which made him laugh a little. "He just moved his stuff out today."

He raised his eyebrows which I equated with a follow up question.

"I caught him with some girl from his office on our couch," I said and took a drag of my cigarette.

His eyes widened and he shook his head.

"You don't believe me?"

He shrugged but still looked skeptical.

"Is it that hard to believe that he would cheat on me?" I asked, feeling a little annoyed that he thought I was lying.

He nodded and motioned to me from head to toe with a smile.

Err…Is that his version of a compliment? I wish he would say something.

"Oh," I said dumbly and hid my blush by looking down.

My heart jumped in my chest when I felt his hand on my cheek. I looked up and saw that he had lowered his head to sneak a peek at my face when I hid it from him. He smiled again and stroked my cheek with his thumb. Butterflies I had forgotten existed suddenly fluttered like crazy in my stomach, and I felt a little lightheaded.

I need to get him out of here. Right now! I'm just hungry and high from the nicotine and that's all that's going on here!

I pulled back from his caress abruptly, and the chair scraped loudly when I stood up. His hand lingered in the air for a few seconds before he pulled it back looking confused.

"Look, this was, err, fun but you should probably get going now," I said nervously.

He stood up slowly and approached me. He cocked his head to one side, and I felt myself back away until I hit the counter.

Shit! Trapped!

He softened his gaze and took two more careful steps until he was right in front of me. I swallowed audibly and my heart thundered in my chest. He reached out to touch my face again, and I closed my eyes and gripped the counter.

Fuck! I can just see the headlines now: 'Cop's daughter raped and murdered in her own home'. 'Naïve small town girl who trusted everyone ended up paying the ultimate price'. And so on, and so on. I'll be a cautionary tale!

His fingertips traced my cheek, and my breath hitched in my throat.

"Please don't hurt me," I whispered.

I felt his other hand take mine and I opened my eyes as he lifted it. He shook his head.

"You won't hurt me?"

He shook his head again, and placed a kiss in the palm of my shaking hand. He placed it on his cheek and leaned into my touch and closed his eyes. I don't know how long we stood there; my hand on his cheek and his on mine. Adrenaline was coursing through my veins and my breathing sped up. He opened his eyes and leaned closer to me. I couldn't look away. My mind was screaming at me to do something; scream, run, fight, anything really, and yet I didn't move a muscle as his angelic face came closer and closer to mine. His lips brushed against mine, and once again the butterflies in my stomach were going haywire, and I gasped as he did it again. I had never felt more alive than I did at that very moment.

He pulled back a little and sought my eyes. I blinked a few times and he smiled widely.

"You won't hurt me?" I repeated in a barely audible whisper.

He shook his head again and caressed my cheek. Then he leaning down and started placing soft kisses on my lips. Electric sparks shot through me and the hand that was on his cheek came down on its on accord and gripped his sweater. He placed his left hand on my hip, and his right continued to caress my cheek as his kisses became bolder. He parted his lips and brushed his tongue against my closed mouth, asking for permission to enter. I heard myself whimper softly as he did it again, and I opened my mouth a little. His tongue met mine and his hand on my hip tightened a little. His other hand went up to the nape of my neck and tilted my head slightly to give him better access to my mouth.

I moaned when the kiss deepened and my trepidation was quickly being replaced by curiosity and wonder.

I know I should be terrified, but this one kiss is more exciting than three years in the bedroom with Mike has ever been!

Was I being insane now for allowing this to happen, or had I been crazy before when I spent my life with a man who I had felt zero amount of passion or desire for? I didn't even know this man's name and yet I was feeling things that I had only read about in books.

Is this what it feels like to want someone? But it doesn't make any sense. I don't even like sex!

He broke our kiss and looked at me for a second before he moved his mouth to my neck and attended to the area with open-mouthed kisses, licks and gentle bites. I was panting at this point, and I felt his hand on my hip travel to my lower back and press me lightly against him. My arms encircled him and meet on his back as his mirrored mine and did the same. His mouth found mine again and he sucked on my bottom lip sending tingles through me. His body was hard and firm against me, and he moaned when my hands went into his hair.

Suddenly he reached down and lifted my legs up around his waist. I gasped when I felt our bodies touching… there. He held me as if I weighed nothing and walked us into the hallway. He looked around and for some insane reason I pointed to the bedroom. He carried me through the door and smiled when he saw the bed.

I can't believe I'm doing this, I cannot believe I'm actually doing this!

I had never had a one night stand, because I had never seen the point. I didn't really enjoy sex, and it had just been a part of being in a relationship with Mike that I had come to accept.

No wonder he cheated on me. Who the hell wants to sleep with someone who doesn't enjoy it?

The man lowered me carefully onto the bed and stretched out beside me. His hand caressed my cheek again, and his eyes burned into mine in the dimly lit room. He wanted me. His lips sought mine and the kiss quickly deepened. He rolled on top of me and I spread my legs to make him lie between them. He smiled against my lips, and ran his hand down the side of my body tracing my curves along the way. He kissed me again and his hand slid under my shirt and came into contact with my naked skin. I gasped into his mouth when he gently cupped my breast in his hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"Shh," he whispered soothingly, and lifted his head to meet my eyes.

I stared back at him and lifted my hand to his face. I touched his lovely features with the tips of my fingers, and marveled at the fact that such a beautiful creature even existed. The fact that he was here in my bed and that he wanted me was just surreal. He smiled again as I touched his soft lips and his eyes looked back at me with…adoration perhaps? No one had ever looked at me this way before, and my heart pounded away in my chest. I felt his hand on my bra move slightly, and he flattened his palm over my heart. He gave me a curious look when he felt how fast my heart was going.

"I-I'm n-nervous," I stuttered. "I've never done this before."

His eyes widened and he bit his bottom lip as he stared at me in shock.

"N-no, I've done it before but never like this," I clarified. "Never with someone I didn't know."

He relaxed visibly and gave me a comforting smile.

Would it really have made a difference to him if I had been a virgin? Would it have stopped him? What if I said 'no' right now?

"W-will you stop if I say 'no'?" I asked him.

He nodded immediately and I found myself believing him. I hesitated. Did I want to say 'no'?

No, I want this. I'm certifiably insane for wanting this, but I do.

I tried to convince myself that this was no different than going to a bar and picking up some guy. People did that all the time. Angela had met Ben in a club, and their hook up had turned into a serious relationship afterwards. But deep down I knew this really wasn't the same. All I knew about this man was that he was homeless, had a beautiful smile and made me feel tingly all over when he kissed me. He was still looking at me questioningly as if he was waiting for me to tell him to stop.

I took a deep breath and nodded. He moved his hand back to my breast and sought my eyes again.

"Yes," I whispered.

His mouth was on mine immediately kissing me hungrily. Now that I had consented it seemed that he was throwing caution to the wind, and unleashed the full extent of his passion on me. I clawed at his back and moaned loudly when he pressed his hardness against me, and he sat up quickly and pulled the sweater over his head. The t shirt he had on came off next, and I gasped when I saw his naked torso. He was muscular and lean, but thinner than he should have been. He hadn't been eating enough for a while, and it made me sad to know that he was used to being hungry. But despite the beauty of his ripped abdominal muscles, they weren't what held my attention.

He was wearing a military dog tag on a chain, and his ribs on the left side had purple bruises, and I felt tears flood in my eyes when I realized that someone had hurt him.

"Oh no," I whispered and covered my mouth with my hand.

"Shh," he said and wiped away a tear that was trickling from the corner of my eye.

"Are you hurt?" I asked.

He shrugged and touched the bruises gently.

He's used to being hurt it seems. No one should be used to that.

"Was it the one who wanted to steal your stuff?" I asked hesitantly.

He nodded sadly and looked at his bruised knuckles.

"Did you win the fight?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Did he take something from you?"

He nodded.

He did have more stuff. It makes sense, I guess. I've never seen a homeless person without sleeping bags and blankets. He must have lost everything except his backpack.

"Is that why you were on the ground and not in a shelter tonight?" I asked. "Because you got beat up?"

Another nod.

"Won't you talk to me?" I asked carefully.

He looked torn. He chewed nervously on his bottom lip and ran his hand through his hair.

"Tell me your name, at least," I begged.

He lowered himself down onto me again and I think I actually sighed when I felt his weight against me. He leaned on his elbow so that he wasn't too heavy, and dangled the dog tag in front of my eyes. I took it in my hands and squinted in the dim light to make out the words.

"Cullen, Edward A.," I read out loud.

"Edward?" I questioned and looked up at him.

He smiled and ran his index finger over my nose, past my lips and throat before stopping between my breasts where he pointed at me.

He wants to know my name, I think.

"Swan, Isabella M.," I grinned nervously, and made horrible attempt to salute with my right hand.

He laughed into my neck and the sound reverberated through me. It was melodic and light, and suddenly I wished I was funnier so I could make him do it again and again. He looked up at me and his eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Actually, I prefer Bella," I said.

He nodded and mouthed my name silently.

"Is it painful for you to speak?" I blurted out.

He nodded carefully.

"Oh. Oh ok," I said. "I guess I babble enough for both of us anyway."

He smiled and shook his head, as if to convey that he didn't mind me running my mouth nervously like I always did.

"Edward," I whispered and caressed his beautiful face.

He leaned into my touch and mouthed my name. The butterflies in my stomach were at it again, and I decided that there was no point in denying what I was feeling. Tonight I wanted Edward and he wanted me. My hands traced over his naked shoulders, under his arms and around his back where I ran them up and down feeling the muscles ripple under his warm skin. He sighed and buried his face in my neck. He placed small soft kisses on my throat and turned my head so that he could move his mouth to my ear.

He nipped at my earlobe with his teeth and sucked on it. His hand moved under my shirt again but before he could touch me I pushed on his shoulders. He sat up immediately and held up his hands in silent surrender. I just gave him a smile and reached down to pull my shirt over my head. His eyes lit up when he realized that I wasn't telling him that I wanted to stop, but that I actually wanted to move further. I took a deep breath and reached behind my back to unclasp my bra. I slid it off slowly and dropped it on the floor, carefully avoiding Edward's eyes.

The silence in the room was deafening.

Are they too small for his taste? What is he thinking?

Finally, I felt his fingertips between my breasts, lightly touching my pale skin. I looked up at him and his face held an ardent expression. He sighed and brushed his fingers over the swell of my breast, and I inhaled sharply as he traced over my nipple which hardened instantly. He pulled back his hand and looked apologetically down on me.

"No, it's ok," I said. "You just surprised me."

I held up my hand and when he took it I pulled him down on me again. More electric sparks shot through me as his skin touched mine and I shivered lightly.

"Do you feel that too?" I asked.

He smiled and gave me a wink. He ran his fingers through the length of my hair, over my face with his fingers spread widely and ended the journey at my naked breast which he cupped in his hand.

'Beautiful,' he mouthed and gazed into my eyes.

"No," I said immediately. "You don't have to say that."

He frowned and tsked at me. He leaned down and kissed my lips softly.

'Beautiful,' he repeated silently.

"Ok, thank you," I said, not wanting to seem ungrateful. "You are too."

He smirked wickedly and bit his bottom lip.

Yeah, he knows he's gorgeous. He's probably been told so by many women.

"Have you…have you been with a lot of women?" I asked.

He shook his head and held up two fingers.

No way!

"Only two? Why?" I asked, disbelievingly.

He tapped his thumb against his ring finger.

"You were married?" I gasped.

He nodded.

"Oh, but not anymore?"

He gave me a pointed look and shook his head. He obviously didn't want me to think that he would ever cheat on his wife, like Mike had cheated on me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to," I started, but was cut off by his lips as he kissed me again.

He moaned softly as his tongue found mine, and he fondled my breast with his large hand. I arched my back into his touch, and whimpered when he rolled his thumb over my hardened peak repeatedly. His mouth trailed kisses down my neck and chest and I my pulse raced when I realized what he was about to do. His tongue circled my nipple before he sucked it into his mouth and flicked his tongue over it.

"Oh," I cried out in surprise when a jolt of pleasure shot through me.

It was as if there was a direct line between my nipple and my pussy, but I had never discovered this hidden connection before. Edward glanced up at me with surprise written all over his face.

"I, uh, I guess that area has been neglected before, um, orally," I said shyly, and felt a blush creep up in my face.

He frowned, shot me an incredulous look and shook his head in disapproval. 'What sort of bozos have you been with before, Bella?' is what he seemed to ask with his expression.

Selfish ones, I guess.

He reached up to kiss my lips before he turned his attention to my breasts again. I moaned loudly when he took my other nipple in his mouth and proceeded to lick and suck it. He switched to the other one and gave it the same treatment. I was getting more and more turned on by his unexpected ministrations, and my heart leapt when he moved his mouth lower until he reached my jeans. He sat up between my parted legs and started to unbutton them. He looked up at me and hesitated.

"Yes," I breathed, and he smiled widely.

He removed them quickly and grinned when he saw my white cotton panties with red hearts on them.

Fuck! Why couldn't I have worn something nicer?

"Sorry, I know they're…, uh," I trailed off.

He shook his head, pouted his lips and held his hand over his heart, as if to tell me that he thought they were cute or something. He hooked his fingers under the hem and looked at me again for permission. I nodded and he dragged them off me. He removed my socks and rubbed his hands over the muscles in my calves before dragging them up to my thighs. He parted my legs and I held my breath as he looked directly at my pussy. He swallowed audibly and dropped to his elbows between my legs.

Whoa! Is he gonna put his mouth on me?

"It's ok. I, you don't have to. No one's ever," I babbled.

He sighed heavily and clicked his tongue in obvious disapproval, and caressed my inner thigh with his hand. I looked at him and he raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, you can if you want, but, um, just don't expect anything to, err, happen, ok?" I said helplessly and hid my face in my hands.

God, just shoot me already! Could this be anymore embarrassing?

I almost jumped out of my skin when I felt him part my folds and his warm tongue flicked over my clit several times.

"Oh my god!" I shouted when I felt the surge of pleasure that it caused.

I can't believe it! I think he could actually make me come if he keeps that up!

I heard him chuckle softly at my reaction, and then I felt his tongue on me again. He massaged my clit hard and fast with his tongue, and I gasped and panted.

"Edward, oh shit, oh, I, god!" I shouted and tried to tell him that I loved what he was doing to me.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, he pushed two fingers deep inside my pussy and I arched my back when the sensations became almost too much to take. I felt him hit a spot inside me and my toes curled and I gripped the sheets tightly.

"How? How are you doing that?" I gasped and writhed frantically.

He pumped his fingers faster and I felt a sharp suction on my clit which pushed me over the edge.

"I'm, I'm, oh god, I'm coming!" I shouted as my orgasm swept over me.

Blinding lights flashed behind my eyelids and pleasure shot through me as Edward continued to work me expertly, until I felt my body relax and come down from the incredible high he had given me.

"I can't believe it," I gasped as he crawled up my body and emerged with a smug expression on his face.

"No one's ever been able to," I said and took a deep breath.

He gave me a curious look.

"I mean, I've had one by myself," I said, and flushed when I realized that I had just admitted to masturbating.

"This was, um, much better," I offered weakly. "Thank you."

Try a hundred times better! So this is what I've been missing all along.

He smiled and stroked my hair. Then he leaned down to kiss me eagerly and pressed his hardness against me. He moaned as he rocked his hips, and I could feel how turned on he was. He lifted his head and sought my eyes.

He wants sex now. And I actually want it, too. I never thought the day would come.

"Take your pants off," I said, feeling emboldened by my previous orgasm.

He nodded and sat up on his knees where he quickly pulled both his jeans and boxers down.

Holy shit! Holy shit, that's big!

I gulped when I saw his fully erect cock, and wondered if it would ever fit inside me. It must have been at least nine inches, and it wasn't exactly lacking in girth either. Edward saw my shocked expression and looked regretful rather than smug, which would have been the reaction one might expect from a guy in this situation. He leaned forward on his arms to kiss me lightly and then lay down next to me on his side. He looked concerned and stroked my flushed cheek.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't expect you to be so big."

He nodded and closed his eyes. I reached out and wrapped my fingers around his cock and felt it throb in my hand. Edward gasped a little and his eyes flew open. I stroked it firmly and swept my thumb over the head, which caused him to hiss and buck his hips involuntarily.

"I want to try," I said. "But I should probably be on top."

Edward's jaw dropped, and he was obviously taken aback by my sudden boldness. Then his lips curved up into a beautiful smile and I smiled back at him. I rolled over and opened the drawer in the nightstand and found a condom. I removed his pants, boxers and socks before I straddled his thighs and ripped the pack open with my teeth. He was looking up at me with the biggest grin on his face, and I could almost read his mind. 'I'm gonna get laid!'

I rolled the condom on his length and by some miracle it actually fit.

Thank you Mike for buying extra-large ones even though you really didn't need to!

Edward moved back, propped up a few pillows and leaned against the headboard. He smirked and hooked his index finger, motioning for me to come closer. I crawled over his body on all fours, and his eyes were hooded with lust when I cupped his face in my hands. I leaned down to kiss him, and his hands grabbed my ass firmly. Our tongues met and I felt his right hand come to my front where he stroked my slit with his fingers, probably to test if I was still aroused and ready. He pushed two fingers inside me again and I released his lips and cried out when his thumb rubbed my clit. I was more than ready for this.

"I want you," I whispered.

He cupped my face in his hands and looked at me. 'I want you too' he mouthed silently.

His eyes were so tender that it seemed almost impossible that I had only known him for such a short time. These weren't the eyes of a man looking for a fast fuck. He was looking into my eyes to establish a connection with me.

Jesus, this could get complicated!

He grabbed me and positioned me over his hard cock, and then he placed his hands on my hips. I kissed him one more time and lowered myself slightly until I felt the head at my entrance. I held his shoulders for support and took a deep breath. Ever so slowly I started to slide down on him, and to my surprise it wasn't painful at all. He fit perfectly inside me and I looked at Edward. He was already breathing heavily and his grip on my hips tightened as I lowered myself all the way. I sighed when I felt his thighs under me and I relaxed in his lap.

"Perfect," I whispered to myself, but Edward heard it and nodded.

His eyes were filled with longing and he rocked my hips back and forth. I lifted myself almost all the way off him and slid down again. Edward moaned loudly and threw his head back and I cried out.

God, this feels amazing! What the hell have I been doing before?

I started riding him faster and he kissed my neck and grabbed my ass again. I leaned back a little, reached behind me and placed my hands on his thighs. I heard Edward hiss and his mouth practically attacked my breasts. His right hand found my clit and he rubbed it frenziedly.

Oh, he's gonna make me come again! Is that even possible?

"Edward," I moaned when he sucked on my nipple and rubbed my clit even faster.

I was writhing on him, mewling and panting as my climax completely took me over. I came with a loud cry, and he held me tightly against him as my pussy clenched around his cock.

"Edward," I sighed, and ran my hands through his hair. "That was amazing."

He cupped my face in his hands and nodded. 'So beautiful,' his silent lips said.

"Did you?" I asked.

He shook his head and smirked. Then he lifted me off him and flipped me over, so that I was stretched out on my stomach. I felt him spread my legs and thrust into me slowly.

"Oooh," I moaned when I felt him fill me completely.

I expected him to raise me up on my knees and pound into me like Mike used to do in this position, but instead I felt him cover my body with his and support his weight on his elbows. He nuzzled my neck and placed soft kisses on my shoulder. Then he pulled back and pushed all the way into me slowly. He moaned and I cried out as his cock reached new places inside me I didn't even know existed.

"Edward, oh that feels so good," I panted when he did it again.

I brought my hands up to his and he laced our fingers. He started thrusting faster and deeper and I was dizzy with pleasure, writhing in ecstasy beneath him. He started moaning and gripped my hands tighter in his. I pushed back against him, making his cock thrust deeper into me, and I felt yet another climax build.

Again? How is that possible? But, it feels so fucking good!

"I'm, I'm close again," I gasped and Edward immediately sped up the tempo and strength of his relentless thrusts.

"Oh, oh, oh," he moaned in my ear.

The sound of his voice and his pleasure made my insides clench and I shivered beneath him.

"Edward, come with me," I panted. "Come with me."

He buried his face in my hair, thrust into me harder than before and my pussy started to contract around him again.

"Now, Edward, now!" I shouted and came with a loud yell.

"Oh, oh, Bella!" he moaned into my neck, and stilled completely above me as he came inside me.

I felt him tremble and pant heavily as he rested his head on my shoulder. I practically melted into the mattress and closed my eyes as my breathing slowly returned to normal. Edward planted soft kisses on my shoulder again and I hummed in pleasure. He pulled out of me slowly, released my hands and crawled off the bed. I rolled onto my side and watched as he walked into the hallway and presumably to the bathroom. After a few minutes he came back carrying sodas, cookies and cigarettes. I laughed when he proudly presented me with the loot and ran back out to get an ashtray. I rested my head in my hand and lit a cigarette. I detested smoking in bed, but tonight it just seemed like the thing to so. I could always change the sheets tomorrow.

Edward came back and smiled when he saw that I had stolen one of his smokes. He flopped down on the bed next to me, and I held my hand out so he could take a drag. He sighed as he exhaled the smoke, and ran his hand down the side of my body. I leaned over and kissed his lips gently.

"You said my name," I told him when I pulled back.

He looked confused and frowned.

"When you, err, came. You said my name," I explained.

He lifted his eyebrows in a surprised expression.

"I liked it," I said softly.

He smiled, but I could see the worry on his beautiful face.

"You don't have say it again," I said quickly. "I just wanted you to know that I liked it. All of it, actually."

He smiled brightly and nodded in agreement. I handed him the cigarette and jumped off the bed. I could feel Edward's eyes on me as I walked out and I turned to look at him. His eyes had been fixed on my ass and he actually blushed a little when I caught him staring. I laughed and went to the bathroom. When I came back in Edward had turned on my TV and was under the covers, against the headboard munching on a cookie. He held out the remote as I slipped in next to him.

"You can watch whatever you like," I said and opened a soda.

I looked at the watch and was surprised to learn that it was only seven o'clock. It had only been a couple of hours and I felt completely comfortable sitting next to Edward in bed. He flipped through the channels and stopped when he found a popular sitcom. He looked at me and I nodded. He leaned down, gave me a kiss and wrapped his arm around me. I snuggled into his side, caressed his chest and played with his dog tags.

We watched TV for a few hours, and I loved hearing him laugh whenever something funny happened. He finished off all the cookies and I stole more of his cigarettes. Around ten my eyelids started to get heavy, and I yawned sleepily which made him smile. I gave him a spare toothbrush and he looked at it like it was a precious gift. I switched off the lights in the apartment and came back to bed. Edward was lying on his side and smiled when I crawled under the covers. He gave me a kiss and turned me over to spoon me. I heard him sigh happily when he wrapped his arm around me and laced our fingers.

"Goodnight, Edward," I mumbled and snuggled closer to him.

He nuzzled my neck and placed a soft kiss below my ear. I drifted off to sleep in his warm embrace, happy and content.

When I woke up the next morning he was gone. He wasn't in bed and I rushed through the apartment only to discover that his clothes were missing and his backpack wasn't on the kitchen floor where he had left it. I walked back into the bedroom feeling sadder than I ever had before.

Honestly, what did you expect? That you would live happily ever after? Get real!

But I found that I missed him already, and I couldn't stop the unshed tears from burning in my throat. I had wanted to cook him breakfast and maybe take a shower together. I wanted to see his smile again and hear him laugh. I crawled back in bed and hugged the pillow that he had used. That's when I saw the note on the nightstand. I picked it up and it simply said:

Thank you for saving my life in more ways than one, my sweet beautiful Bella. I will never forget you.

Underneath the note he had left one of his dog tags. I picked it up with trembling hands and held it to my lips.

"Edward A. Cullen, come back to me and let me save you all over again," I said to the empty bedroom and burst into tears.

I hope you liked this. I might make it into a short story when I have finished

'Taken'.

Please leave me a review and tell me what you think. Thanks!