I don't own Twilight. all Stephenie Meyer.

Flyaway With Me

Part 6

With a startled gasp, I woke up quickly. I sat up on my elbows and glanced around the room, trying to get my bearings. It was dark, with only a bit of light streaming in from the city and the moon.

I was in bed.

In our last hotel room.

In Italy.

Tears suddenly filled my eyes and I fell back against the pillow. A whimper escaped my lips before I could stop it, sobs surfacing from deep within.

A warm hand rubbed my arm and soft breath tickled my ear. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" Edward asked huskily.

My breathing hitched as I tried to hold back the tears. "It was just a dream."

Edward pulled me into his embrace and he soothingly rubbed my back. He kissed my hair over and over, trying to soothe me with soft shh's. My face was buried into the crook of his neck as my tears soaked his shirt. When my cries finally seemed to slow down, Edward asked, "What was just a dream?"

"Nothing." I sniffled.

"Hey." He sat up a little more against the head board and lifted my chin so that our eyes met. "Talk to me."

I considered answering him, letting all of the emotions I'd been holding onto for days spill out, but held myself back. Instead I pulled myself closer to him and burrowed into the crook of his neck again.

After a moment, Edward simply sighed and tightened his hold on me. He hummed softly and allowed me to seek comfort in him until I drifted off to sleep again.

Neither of us had really spoken about our first night in Madrid. When I'd woken up the next morning, I was tucked back into the bed with Edward beside me. He treated me even better than before, which seemed almost impossible, and there was an unspoken agreement between us to not bring up what happened.

I hated walking on egg shells around him, but I worried that, like Jacob, he would run away eventually if pushed. So I followed his lead.

Our agreement was just that, an agreement between two people. Not love or romance, or anything else I wanted to experience again. I was still healing from Jacob and coming to grips with being a mother. Expecting to be ready for more just seemed ridiculous. Especially when neither of us was ready to talk about… anything, everything.

Soft lips pressed against my skin, rousing me from sleep.

I moaned, whether from being woken up or from how good it felt, I didn't know.

Warm hands ran up and down my back, sending tingles down my spine. One hand moved down to my hip, the other to the back of my neck, pressing me against a firm body as it rolled on top of me. The sensations were enough to wake me up a little more and I opened my eyes slightly, gasping at what I saw.

Edward hovered over me, a look in his eyes that made my entire body tingle. He lowered his head to kiss the sensitive skin of my neck slowly, deeply, each brush of his lips and stroke of his tongue telling me how much he wanted me. When he lowered his hand from my hip, down to my thigh and under the t-shirt I was wearing, I felt my heart speed up.

I panted as he nipped the juncture between my neck and shoulder before he carefully slipped the shirt over my head. The urge to cover myself was overwhelming. No one had seen my pregnant belly except for my doctor. I didn't want to gross Edward out with the stretch marks that were beginning to show and the protruding out of my once flat stomach.

But after a moment's hesitation, Edward leaned down and pressed a kiss to my baby bump. Tears formed in my eyes with each subsequent kiss he made up my body until he reached my lips. His touches were reverent, adoring.

We finished undressing one another, just as before. With care.

I became lost in sensation. The feel of his skin against mine, each kiss he brushed against my skin, gasps we elicited from one another. It was beautiful and intense and so much more. For the first time, I felt cherished.

Yet I was afraid.

I knew that once it was over we'd go back to… how we'd always been around each other. Not cold, but not open. Not complete. I didn't want to lose the connection we had in those moments. The bond that made us stronger.

Edward didn't seem to want to either as he wrapped his arms around me and rolled to his back so that I was on top. The look in his eyes as I rested on his chest told me everything that I needed to know.

Biting my lip, I lowered my forehead to his, drawing strength from him. Hope.

Our future wasn't entirely certain, but that was okay.

That morning, before dawn and when the rest of the world began to rise, it was just us.

Emmett met us at the airport that evening, a huge smile on his face and a sign in his hand that hired drivers generally used. Instead of him writing something generic like "E. Cullen" or "Mr. and Mrs. Cullen" he put "Mr. Bella Swan".

That explained the proud grin.

I squeezed Edward's hand as we neared his brother.

"Nice, Em," he growled out.

"Aw, come on. It's a joke." Emmett laughed, tossing the sign toward a trash can.

"That was better left unsaid," Edward muttered.

Emmett just laughed. "Little brother, we both know that Bella has you wrapped around her little finger. And I have quite enjoyed seeing you tied in knots over my new sister-in-law." He hugged me carefully, patting my back and kissing my cheek.

We made our way over to the baggage claim and I tried to help with the bags, but neither of them would let me. I tried to reach for one of the lighter bags and was rebuffed again. I glared at them both and was ready to read them the riot act when Edward kissed me on the forehead and touched the swell of my stomach.

It was difficult to be angry with him when he was being sweet.

Thanks to all of the shopping excursions Edward had insisted on, and his need to keep me distracted, we'd come back with quite a few more things than we'd left with. We even had to purchase some more luggage to accommodate the new items. Most of the larger items, like paintings and such were being shipped.

I felt bad for both Edward and Emmett having to carrying such heavy bags up to the penthouse by themselves.

Once we got to the apartment, Edward immediately ushered me to one of the stools in the kitchen. "We'll be right back. Please just rest." He kissed my forehead before heading back to the front door.

I unwound my scarf and started unbuttoning my coat as Edward and his brother brought our luggage to the master bedroom. I was about to make my way into the kitchen for some water when I heard their voices as they headed back toward me.

"You do realize that we just got back, right?" Edward asked his brother. He entered the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water from the refrigerator, before grabbing glasses. "How can you already need a favor from us?" He slid one of the glasses toward me, filled with Perrier, and drank from his.

"Listen, it would mean a lot if you could do this. Rosie has been under a lot of stress lately and I'm trying to do what I can." Emmett leaned over the counter, his thick muscled arms bulging under his shirt.

I looked back and forth between them, trying to decipher their conversation.

Edward, thankfully, took mercy on me and filled me in. "My brother and his wife were supposed to host Thanksgiving this year. But, due to unforeseen circumstances, he's asked if we would mind doing it instead." From the look on his face I could tell that he would leave that decision up to me, though he didn't really want to.

Trying to look as innocent as possible, I answered Edward in a sweet tone, "I don't see why not. Vanessa should be able to help me with planning the menu, and I know that you'll be more than happy to lend a hand as well, right?"

He narrowed his eyes at me, but nodded. "Of course, sweetheart."

Emmett clapped his hands. "Great. Thank you guys, really. I owe you one," he called over his shoulder.

I giggled softly, turning my attention back to Edward.

"Oh, Isabella." He shook his head, a smile on his face that was part playful and part trouble. "You are a dangerous, dangerous woman."

I just grinned and sipped my water.

Ooo~Ooo~Ooo

Warm hands rubbed along my back and soft lips on my neck woke me. Edward's voice was low and husky as he said, "It's time to wake up, Bella."

I moaned in protest and tried to burrow into the softness.

"Come on, sleepy girl." His words were laced with amusement. "I'm sorry to wake you, sweetheart. Believe me, I hated to do it, but we have the Volturi gala at 7:30 and we can't be too late." He pressed a kiss to my temple.

"What time is it?" I yawned.

"A quarter to 6:00," he said.

I sighed and lifted my arms to stretch. When I lowered them back down and opened my eyes, I found Edward staring down at me with a curious expression. My cheeks flamed, but thankfully he didn't comment.

Without a word Edward helped me to my feet. He looked as though he wanted to say something to me, more than the few words we'd exchanged just before, but his cell phone rang, breaking the silence. He pressed his lips to my forehead and then moved across the room to answer it.

Getting back to our everyday lives had taken nearly a week after our return to the States. Dealing with jet lag seemed to be even worse being pregnant, but I finally seemed to be back on a normal sleeping schedule, naps included.

I yawned and stretched again, smiling when I caught Edward staring. Again.

Making my way to the closet, I picked out a dress for the evening. Alice had taken it upon herself to buy me what she considered cute and fashion friendly maternity clothes, including evening wear. So I searched through the outfits and ended up picking out a multicolored strapless dress. The bodice was black while the skirt was teal, white, and black. I set it out against the hangers along with a pair of shoes that went perfectly with it and a wrap.

I took my time in the shower, allowing the warm water to pour over me and my thoughts to wander.

To Jacob.

To Edward.

To how different I felt with Edward, safe, in spite of how confused I was.

Our last night in Italy had completely taken me by surprise. He'd gone from keeping me at a distance to showering me with attention. And even though he hadn't kissed me on the lips, I had barely noticed. He'd overwhelmed me with his passion and ardor, with his gentleness and reverence.

I hated the fact that Vanessa had to find out about Jacob, and me, the way that she had. That she was most likely struggling and heartbroken the same way I had been not so long ago. I knew only too well what it felt like and hoped that they'd find a way to mend the damage. That is, if she wanted to.

A gentle kick against my stomach brought me out of my musings.

I smiled to myself and brought my hand up to the spot, taking a moment to relish it.

With that I finished my shower and then grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my body. Stepping into the bathroom, I was startled to find Edward standing in front of his sink at the vanity. A pair of black dress pants hung low around his hips, the only clothing I could see aside from a hint of his boxer briefs.

He leaned in toward the mirror, an electric razor in his hand, and trimmed the scruff on his face to a more manageable appearance. When his eyes met mine in the glass, there was a hint of desire in them that had me blushing all over. He chuckled and winked at before returning to his task.

It took me a few minutes to pull myself together, but once I was able to I finished drying off and slipped on the under garments and robe I'd left for myself. At the vanity, I trembled with anticipation. There was something in the air that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

We got ready for the evening quietly, moving around each other with the ease of a couple who've been together for a while. It was a bit off putting, but seemed to work for us. I slipped into my dress and managed to zip it up half way, while the tuxedo he wore looked to be perfectly tailored for him. Instead of his usual contacts, Edward wore a pair of glasses that I'd only seen on him a couple of times. They were a good look for him.

Before we left Edward zipped my dress up the rest of the way for me. The feel of his fingertips that lingered against my skin sent a shot of tingles up my spine. I turned around to face him, both of us frozen and watching one another cautiously. He brought a hand up to cup my face, desire evident in his gaze.

He stepped closer to me and began to lean down just as a buzz from the intercom filled the room. For a moment, neither of us moved. The struggle to answer the call or continue with what he'd been about to do played across his features. A second buzz seemed to answer that question, though.

With a groan, Edward kissed my forehead and pulled back. "Yeah?"

"Mr. Cullen, your car has arrived," the doorman replied.

"Thank you." Edward sighed. "Are you ready?"

I nodded. We slipped our coats on and hurried down to catch our ride. A driver wearing a pressed uniform held the door open to a fancy car that I was sure would impress his clients. Once we were settled in the driver got behind the wheel and we headed off.

"Why are we going to this gala exactly?" I finally asked Edward.

"Aro Volturi and his brothers are long time clients of my firm." He fidgeted with the sleeves of his coat. "In order to keep his business and make him happy, we've had to attend functions and social events of his over the years. Since I have taken on his account, it's my turn to attend these types of things."

I nodded, finally understanding. "I should try to be extra charming tonight, then?"

Edward turned his attention to me for a moment. "Isabella, you don't have to try anything. Just be yourself." He turned back to the window and said so low under his breath I almost didn't hear it, "That's how you got me."

We arrived at the Volturi Estate about twenty minutes. Edward helped me out of the car and led me to the main doors where a man wearing a tuxedo with gloves and tails greeted us. If I'd thought that the Cullen's manor had been breathtaking, the Volturi Estate was beyond reproach. They had spared no expense, creating a home worthy of royalty.

Heading further into the house, Edward kept his hand at the small of my back.

Waiters with trays of appetizers and drinks moved about the space, stopping every so often to offer their wares. Guests moved from one room to the next, glasses of champagne in hand or one of the fancy concoctions the caterers no doubt came up with. It almost felt like too much.

"Edward, how nice to see you." A man who looked about Edward's age stopped us.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Liam." Edward shook his hand.

Liam grinned. "I wasn't planning on it, but there are some big wigs with deep pockets that I'm hoping to get a crack at. Aro promised me a meeting."

"Just as long as you make sure to have a legally binding agreement. I'm sure you remember what happened last time," Edward warned him.

"Don't remind me," Liam groaned. "But, yes, I'll be sure to call your office first thing Monday morning to make sure everything is legit."

"Good." Edward brought his arm around my waist, resting his hand on my hip and squeezing it gently. He cleared his throat. "Liam, I'd like you to meet Isabella Cullen. My wife."

Liam blinked and then laughed heartily."I never thought I'd see the day. It's a pleasure to meet the woman who finally got Edward here to settle down." He took my hand in his and kissed it. "Isabella."

I blushed, unsure of what had just taken place. "It's, um, it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Liam. How do you two know each other?" I was grateful for the warmth of Edward's touch.

"We met during college. I was the T.A. for a class that he just happened to be in," Edward explained. "He ended up missing the midterm exam and came up with such in elaborate explanation for why, that I talked the professor into letting him schedule a make up. That class was never boring."

"And you've helped me out of plenty of other sticky situations since then." Liam reached for a drink from one of the passing waiters. "Don't let me keep you. We'll talk Monday."

Edward shook his hand. "First thing."

The majority of the evening we spent talking to his business associates and friends, making polite chit-chat with people I hardly knew. But I felt comfortable, relaxed with Edward beside me, his hand on me in one way or another the entire time. I don't even think he realized he was doing it, but I appreciated it even still.

Outside, along the open veranda where beautiful lights and torches were set up, Edward led me to some whicker furniture to rest. He helped me settled into a chair before going back inside to get us some food.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the cool wintery air, pleased that I could enjoy the outdoors while remaining warm thanks to some heaters.

"Do you mind if I sit here a moment?" A husky, accented female voice asked.

Squinting one eye open, a woman who looked to be Mediterranean stood before me. She was statuesque and curvy with caramel skin. Her hair was so dark it almost looked black and fell in front of one eye just so. Everything about her screamed perfection and she knew it. Even the glass of champagne she held seemed to belong there.

I motioned to the chair across from me. "Go ahead," I said.

With a nod, the woman moved over to the chair, each sway of her hips a natural yet forced movement. She sat down and crossed her legs, allowing the slit of her dress to expose the long length of her legs. Sipping from the flute in her hands, she lifted her eyes up to look at the stars.

I was grateful for her silence. Though we were at a party, small talk was the last thing on my mind. Out of the corner of my eye I caught her movements, noticing that there was something about her. Something that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but that seemed somewhat familiar.

Edward finally came out through the back doors, two plates in his hands. He had a smooth, confident gait, his fixed only on me. He seemed to be at ease with himself and the world around him. "I tried to get a little bit of everything." He mentioned before setting the food down and wrapping his tux jacket around my shoulders.

My cheeks heated with pleasure. I took the plate he handed to me. "Thank you. It looks wonderful." He'd mostly gotten fruit and cheeses, along with at least one of the gourmet dishes that had been prepared. I sampled a couple, before deciding that they were quite delicious and ate a little more freely.

"How are you feeling?" Edward asked.

"Good." As the pregnancy progressed, I started getting tired a little more easily. Since I'd taken a nap earlier, I was feeling a bit more alert. "These grounds are breathtaking. I can hardly believe we are still in New York."

Edward nodded in agreement. "It's practically its own village and the Volturi brothers went to great lengths to make it so." He motioned with his head to my right. "Aro had a vineyard created and maintained for his wife on the west side." He pointed over to his left. "And Marcus had a stable and training grounds put in for his wife in the southern part. The East," he said with a grin, "and along this area, are the gardens. Caius had seeds and plants from all over the world brought over for his wife."

My mouth hung open in shock. They had gone to such great lengths to make the women they loved happy. "That's sweet," I managed to whisper.

"It's quite an investment. Even the library and artwork around the estate are very lucrative." He nodded. From the sound of it, they had an amazing collection, one that I was sure was a sight to behold.

"I bet that they are beautiful." Even though I was sure that was true, I had a feeling that the library Edward had the apartment would always be my favorite. He was an avid collector and had everything from modern fiction works, to rare classics, and even historical law books. I felt as though I could spend hours perusing the shelves and never get bored. "But I love yours."

He grinned, a sort of shy smile that I didn't get to see very often. It was endearing.

We ate quietly for a bit, exchanging glances between us. I wasn't entirely sure what to make of the situation, but I enjoyed the light moment. Once we were finished and a waiter had taken our plates, Edward insisted that we head back inside. He helped me to my feet and had his hand on the small of my back when he suddenly stopped moving.

"Edward?" I asked softly. "What's wrong?"

His attention was focused on the door to the back of the house, eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. After a moment, though, he finally shook his head and glanced down at me. "Sorry. I, uh, I thought I saw someone, but it must have been my imagination."

"Are you sure?" I whispered.

"Yes." He pressed his lips to my forehead and smiled. "Come on."

We headed back inside, barely making it through the doors before Edward was greeted by some more associates. I tried to hold back a yawn that threatened to break, but was unable to do so and used my hand in an attempt to hide it. Beside me, Edward chuckled and kissed the top of my head.

"Sorry, gentlemen, I believe that's my cue." He grinned, leading me away. Once we entered the foyer, Edward turned to me and said, "I'll go retrieve our coats."

I nodded.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead before heading down another hallway.

The voices of the rest of the partygoers filtered into the room, though mostly muffled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted an array of colors. Looking more closely, I found a large painting mounted on the wall. It pulled me in, I couldn't help just standing there and staring at the vivid display.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

I jumped at the unexpected words and warm breath on my ear. Turning around, I saw an older looking gentleman with his long black slicked back in a ponytail. The only sign of his age came from the crows feet around his eyes and the light dusting of gray mixed in with his goatee.

"Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to frighten you," he said, offering a smile.

"It's all right. I just didn't realize that I wasn't alone." My cheeks reddened.

He laughed softly. "These works have a way of drawing you in, don't they? The vibrancy of colors, the story captured in motion, the way the light seems to shine right off the canvas; it has everything."

I nodded in agreement. I hadn't been able to put my finger on what had drawn me in, but this stranger had gotten it just right. The painting was breathtaking.

He turned toward me and held his hand out. "I'm Aro Volturi."

Shyly, I reached out to place my hand in his. "Isabella Sw-Cullen."

Recognition flittered across his features, and his lips spread across into an even brighter smile than I seen earlier. "Ah, yes. Young Edward's new bride." He pressed a kiss to my knuckles before releasing his hold. "I was quite pleased to hear that he'd finally settled down. Never thought he would after what happened with…"

"Aro," Edward's voice interrupted what the older man had been about to say. He looked surprised to see him, his professional smile in place. "You've outdone yourself again." Without another word, he held out my coat for me, helping me slip it on.

"Leaving so early, Edward? I was just getting to know your beautiful wife." There was something behind his words that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

"She tires easily these days," Edward ground out, each word clipped. "Since she's pregnant."

I adjusted the collar around my neck and turned to face the two men. They seemed to be locked in a stare fueled by testosterone, neither of them looking away first. I brought my hand up to Edward's arm and squeezed gently.

He shook his head, glancing down at me. The way his eyes softened for a moment had my heart speeding and my skin heating up simultaneously. Just as suddenly his expression returned to one of indifference, the one he wore like armor. "We'll talk on Monday."

Aro only nodded, stepping aside to allow us to leave.

The butler that had greeted us when we first entered bowed. "Good evening, sir. Madam."

We made our way out into the cold night, the car we'd arrived in parked right out front with the driver holding the door open for us. Edward made sure I was settled before he climbed in and then we were off, headed back to the city.

A tense filled the back seat, our silence uncomfortable. I wanted to say something, anything, but couldn't seem to find the right words. When we arrived back at the apartment, Edward kept a steady hand on the small of my back.

I bit my lip as we waited for the elevator to arrive. The evening had started out so well, and he'd been in such a good mood. I hadn't seen him smile so much in quite some time. Whatever had upset him had something to do with Aro. I had to know what it was, what had been plaguing him.

"Edward," I murmured.

The elevator dinged and the doors opened.

The press of Edward's hand on my back urged me onto the car and I sighed, watching the doors close. Just as I was about to try again, my back was pressed up against one of the walls and Edward kissed up and down my throat.

I gasped at the sensations his tongue and teeth elicited. "Edward."

He groaned, one hand squeezing my hip the other wound through my hair. Warm breath fanned over my skin as he kissed, licked and nipped, my skin tingling. "I need you." The words were desperate, pleading.

I ran my fingers through his hair, tugged on the strands, as I tried to keep him close.

Slowly, Edward trailed his hand down my leg, the heat of it reaching my skin in spite of the layers of fabric between us. His kisses continued at a frantic pace, his frustration at being inhibited by our clothing clear.

When the elevator dinged again, the doors opened up to the penthouse. Edward lifted me up in his arms, his lips never leaving my skin, and he practically ran to our bedroom. Just as his words from before had held such desperation, so did his actions. We barely made it to the room before he set me on my feet and began ripping off our clothes.

His urgency frightened me, my Edward lost to the wild, frenzied man before me.

"Edward, slow down." I took his face in my hands, meeting his eyes. "What's going on?"

His breaths came out in pants, his pulse pounding. "Bella, please. I just… I want to forget."

There was something about him in that moment, the rawness of his countenance that nearly broke me. With a nod, I finished unbuttoning his shirt and slid it off his shoulders. I kissed his chest before stepping back from him. "Okay."

His shoulders seemed to sag at my words and the urgency behind his movements eased. He took his time, finishing undressing the both of us, and led me over to the bed. Our first time together Edward had been sweet and gentle, all of his attention focused on me. Well, for that night, I wanted to focus my attention on him. Give him something that he'd obviously denied himself for quite some time.

And with a kiss and some coaxing Edward let me.

Part of the reason this chapter took so long was because I was trying to get some things just right. I wanted Edward and Bella to have a conversation they just weren't ready for, and neither of them would cooperate. Thankfully, I was able to figure out what was wrong. This chapter a great surprise to me, but I think it's exactly what needed to happen and I hope everyone is still with me.

Edward and Bella have a journey ahead of them, and I plan to see it through.

Thank you for your continued support. You have no idea what it means to me.