Guardian of the Shadows ~Closed

[cnuveau]

Even though he knew early on that Jo was wearing a wig he still couldn't help but notice how different she looked without it as he spoke. Perhaps it was her intent when she developed the disguise but without it, he found her far more attractive.

He wasn't at all surprised that seemed agreeable to the terms he had laid out. Given her situation it was both a lucrative offer and also helped to solve her more pressing issue of finding a safe harbor to avoid whatever it was she was facing.

When she began to explain exactly what it was she was dealing with, Edward listened intently to not only what she was saying but the emotions that it drew out of her. Now able to sense her emotions, the terror she felt from the situation was visceral for him. It gave him a greater appreciation for the same sort of terror he'd caused others all those years ago and made him more regretful of how he conducted himself before he began to settle.

Edward gasped lightly when she pulled her hair up to reveal the scars on her neck then again when she removed her hoodie to show the rest. He ran his fingers gingerly along the long scars that marred her otherwise flawless skin as the anger within him built. "If anything, I welcome the idea of him coming for you while I'm around. I'd take enormous pleasure in paying him back in kind." he said before leaning in to press his lips tenderly to one of the cars on her shoulder.

"I also have little concern about the connections of his father. I've navigated those situations before and I'm not without resources myself." he continued as he leaned back away from her. "Nothing I've heard her changes my mind. If anything, it makes me realize we have something in common." Standing from the sofa, Edward slowly untied his robe then dropped it from his shoulders and turned his back to her revealing his own set of scars. "I've been in my own share of scrapes and have made it through. I'm sure we'll both make it through this as well."

 

[Perplexia]

The kiss that he had placed lightly over her scar caused the same reaction as it had before. For a moment she thought she would lose her balance and topple on top of him. Still she listened to him speak

"I've been in my own share of scrapes and have made it through. I'm sure we'll both make it through this as well."

Even though she knew when the book was done they'd go their separate ways she found herself hanging on to the word 'we'll'. As if they were a team that could take on the world. She'd never thought of a life like that before. With someone by her side, that wanted nothing from her except to help. A line she had once heard from her parents played in her mind Accept a gift that is freely given with no strings.'. All the gifts Jake had given her had been tossed back at her with a slithered tongue as she'd refused his physical advances. Her naivety had her try to console and reason with him. That wasn't love. What he did, no matter how many times he had claimed it was not love.

"I appreciate your acceptance of my limitations and need to remain hidden" she said softly to him trying to regain her composure. She pulled the hoodie back on, looking at the scars herself made her ill, there was no telling what it would do to another. "I'm sure you've figured out that Jo James is my nom de plume. It's fine that name is listed as a writer. Just no photos." she clarified from an earlier statement he made. "I will need the WI-Fi network and password so i can send off the review. I'm sure in a day or so i'll need to go do another somewhere else." Lily trembled slightly at the thought of having to go out in public again.

Shaking it off she added. "I'm sure you'd like your lawyers to have a contract drawn up regarding the agreement we've agreed upon. Just let me know when its ready to sign, and when you'd like to begin."

 

[cnuveau]

After showing her his own scars Edward sat down beside her again not bothering to re-tie his robe which left his tone chest largely exposed. "Of course. I have no doubts you'll be able to handle both." he replied before providing her the Wi-Fi details she required to send out her review. "I guess I should have asked to read the review to make sure it's favorable before giving you that huh?" he added with a light hearted laugh before picking up his glass of wine again and taking a sip.

Though he'd readily agreed to her condition of no monkey business, having her on the sofa next to him without her disguise was making it significantly harder not to ponder breaking that promise. Though his first instinct was to protect her, that instinct was quickly being overcome by another far less innocent desire. He knew, how ever, that acting on that desire might lightly send her fleeing the first chance she got.

In an effort to distract himself from his growing desires Edward stood from the sofa and motioned toward the patio just beyond the glass. "The pool his heated so you'll find it comfortable year round and your free to use it whenever you'd like. Same goes for the rest of the house but I ask that you respect any locked doors you may come across." he said as he began to pace the floor trying to think of what else she might need to know. "During the day there is a housekeeper who'd be more than willing to help you with anything you need. Is there anything else you'd like to know before we retire for the evening?"

 

[Perplexia]

Lily chuckled when he joked about seeing the review first. "I can promise it won't be completely negative. I do have to mention the disgust look from security, and the server with an attitude. I will counteract it with the look i came in with. Also giving kudos to your mixologist, the security, the atmosphere, and the restrooms being easy to see and access from any point." The fact he was sitting next to her with his chest exposed. Didn't go unnoticed to her. The appreciation of his physique wouldn't be lost on any woman in her right mind. Just because she was a mess, didn't hinder his wow factor.

She watched as he rose from the sofa. Good lord he was a piece of artwork. Her eyes went to his hands as he motioned to the patio, her eyes followed as she listened to him talk about the pool, and how the rest of the house was accessible to her with the exception of the locked doors. Given that she had been private for what seemed like eternity she had no problem with respecting his privacy. He then talked about the housekeeper, someone new that she would remain hiding from. It wasn't that she didn't trust his staff choice. But everyone, knew someone. There was no telling what story, or type of reward he had out there.

"Is there a particular time that the house keeper comes and leaves? Is it daily? or Just particular days." She tried to put forth a brave face. It was one thing for Edward to know everything. Lily didn't even know what it was about him that made her want to let her guard down. Why did she chose him to finally trust. It most definitely wasn't just cause he was incredibly gorgeous. There was something about him being near her, that was calming.

"I should probably warn you that I occasionally have nightmares. I am sure they may come with some crying or pleading. I don't know how annoying they may be. As I don't generally share space with people for very long, much less share a house." Lily couldn't help the embarrassment and awkwardness that crossed her features.

 

[cnuveau]

Edward could hear how laced her voice was with concern over the housekeeper and it was obvious why. “She comes daily and works about the house most of the day. She’s been with me for a very long time and I trust her implicitly.” He said, trying to reassure her that she wasn’t going to be a problem. “I have my own concerns about discretion and she’s proven more than trustworthy. Don’t worry.” The fact was, his housekeeper had been with him far longer than anyone would believe. It was a necessity given how much one sees and hears around one’s house. Celia had proven to be as loyal as they came and knew everything there was to know.

“I’m sure it’ll be alright. I can understand how your ordeal can have lingering effects.” He replied when she expressed her concerns over her night terrors disturbing him. It did bring into focus however, the challenges he’d face in explaining away the differences in their sleep cycles that will likely become obvious. For the most part, his work at the club would explain a lot of it but it was a concern for him nontheless.

“It’s getting late. You should get some rest.” He said after glancing at the clock to see how late it had gotten.

Picking up a remote from the coffee table he clicked a button and shades began to draw across the expanse of windows, blocking any light from entering the apartment.

 

[Perplexia]

Lily nodded, watching the blinds go down. He may trust his house keeper, and although he probably paid her well. It didn't mean that for the right amount of money, favor, or sob story. She knew she was paranoid. But with what she'd been through it paid to be. So she would just stay in her room till the house keeper had left. She made her way back to her room and brought out her laptop, hooking it up to the wifi and began working on the review for Edwards club. After spending an hour and a half on it , she was finally satisfied and sent it off to the editor at the paper.

The idea of the next review caused her tremble. Every time she went out, was another time she could be found. But she had to continue to live. She couldn't stop providing for herself. After the book with Edward was created, it would be time for a new identity and a new city. With the salary that Edward was providing. She could take a course online for a new career. Yes her passion was writing. But if she did something different like medical billing. She'd be able to work from home. As well as work on a novel. With the credit she'd get on Edwards book it would assist her in doing things similar in the future under that old identity.

She crawled into bed with her tank top and shorts. Closing her eyes all she could see was Edwards chest. It let her into a dream that was sensual and seductive. Her experiences being a virgin was limited. But she was an avid reader with a spectacular imagination. A few hours in her dream went from slow, and sensual, to dark and twisted. The setting was in a waterfall, the water splashing all around them as their hands and bodies were touching exploring and kissing under the moon shining down the water reflection was spectacular. Then the dark clouds rolled in thunder roared through the sky, Dark shadow monsters began making their ways out of the water coming toward them. There was no where to go, they were surround. Lily clung to Edward trying to sheild him from what was coming. Gripping their bodies the dark shadow monsters began pulling them apart. "NO NO NO" she cried out as they pulled him away. Through the shadows monsters Jake appeared with that evil smile he had and hatred and menace showing through the way he stared at her. 'you caused what will happen to him, you should just give in, you know i will break you, you won't escape me ever, you belong to me.' he told her. her body trembled with fear, her anxiety kicked in followed by a panic attack as her breathing became eratic. "leave him alone" she cried hysterically through her breaths. Hands went to her throat causing her to struggle for breath. kicking and clawing at him in her dream, mimicking her bodies movements as she slept.

 

[cnuveau]

Edward watched Jo climb the stairs then disappear into her room before picking up for the evening then heading up himself. It felt like a lifetime had passed since he first met her in the club but it had only been a few hours and though most of the questions about her had been answered there were still a few that lingered. Edward was sure that in time he'd come to understand the true extent of her problems and was content to leave that for another time.

As was usual, sleep came to him easily and before long he was resting comfortably in his room just across the apartment from her. Edward couldn't say how long he'd been asleep when he was abruptly awakened by a shriek from across the apartment. He sprung from his bed then bolted from the room, covering the ground their rooms like a blur then stopped outside her door and listened to the apparent struggle going on on the other side. Had someone entered the apartment he would have been alerted by the security system so he felt reasonably sure it was just Jo's night terrors.

Pushing the door open, Edward entered the room then sat at the edge of the bed beside her as she continued to struggle with whatever nightmare she was having. "It's ok, your safe. Everything is fine." he whispered to her as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

 

[Perplexia]

When his hand touched her and his silky warm voice touched her ears, bolts of lightning descended upon the shadow monsters in her dream. For the first time in her dream, Jake looked terrified. 'You're mine!" he yelled at her as dark black oily vines rose from the water grabbing ahold of his legs and body pulling him away and down into the water. Jake screamed in agony, the terror that he had hoisted upon her so many times was now upon him. He gurgled and gagged as it asphyxiated him, swallowing him into the darkness. Edward was free and came to her embarrassing her, the words of safety coming from his lips as Edward spoke to her sitting on her bed.

Tears of relief fell from her eyes as she clung to his half naked body in her dream, In realty she reached out gripping his arm. "please don't leave me" she said out loud as she said it to him in the dream. Her body rolled to wrap around his seated from. The increase of her body touching him reality brought stars out to shine brighter along with the clouds to dissipate and let the moon shine upon them once again. "I need you" she whispered almost silently. "that scares me, but its true. You made the darkness leave." a peacefulness came over her features as she clung to him. "you're my angel" she whispered again as she fell deeper into a peaceful sleep and dream with her lips touching his. A smile crept across her face with a light moan of gratification.

 

[cnuveau]

Lilly's hands quickly moving to Edward's arm and holding him there startled him for a moment but her voice spoke to the relief his presence brought. Seconds later her arms were wrapped around his torso, clinging to him as he stroked her hair. "Don't worry, I won't leave you. You're safe now." he whispered in the darkness. It was clear that she wanted him to say so he pulled back the covers then swung his legs up onto the bed, pulling her to his chest as he laid back onto the bed with her.

As they lay there, Lilly clung to tightly to him that it felt as if they were one. Their bodies intertwined as her leg draped over his pressing her tightly against his thigh. He could sense the tide of her emotions shifting as his fingers stroked a long slow path up and down her back and he pressed his lips into the top of her head. His fingers traced down to the small of her back then slipped beneath her thin tank top before working higher along her warm soft skin. The touch of her flesh was electric and it sent a shiver through his body as the intimacy of the moment stirred something deep within him.

 

[Perplexia]

Lily didn't wake, and for the first time in what seemed like forever she got a good night sleep. Slowly she woke feeling the weight of Edwards arm draped over her. Opening her eyes she remembered where she was. By the way she felt, she knew it was Edward pressed against her. Being still clothed she knew that nothing untoward happened. But why was he here? Her mind tried to solve the riddle. The only thing that made sense was that she had a bad dream at some point and he came to comfort her. He had a calming affect on her.

Never had she ever encountered anything like it. In the past, she'd always suspected everyone and everything. Why him? Whatever the reason, she was glad for it. It felt nice to feel comfortable in the presence of a man. The attractiveness of him didn't help or hinder the way he made her feel. A soft smile crossed her lips as she closed her eyes and let herself just enjoy the calmness.

Closing her eyes she let her mind lead her back to the waterfall, Edward appeared again walking through the water as it cascaded down his bare chest. His arms reached out and wrapped around her. 'you're safe' he whispered in her ear. For the first time she began to feel empowered. As if he alone could protect her and keep her out of harms reach. A hour or so later she awoke by the ding of her phone. She knew that meant a new assignment had been given. Slowly she slid from the bed and covered Edward up. Sitting in a chair she opened up her laptop to check her email. Apparently there was a club on the outskirts of town she needed to visit. The owner would meet her at 11pm for their interview. Starting her research, she found it odd that there wasn't anything online about them. The owners information wasn't even available. Yet the information she received said they'd been there a few years. Using google maps she did a street-view of the property. There was nothing there but an empty lot. Red flags popped up left and right for her. He found her. He somehow figured out who she was.

Panic set in as she gasped for breath. Her laptop dropping to the floor as she pulled her legs to her chest and began rocking trying to catch her breath.

 

[cnuveau]

Edward held her until she finally quieted and seemed to fall back into a peaceful sleep. It had been centuries since he'd last found himself wanting to comfort someone in this way but he seemed to slip back into the role seamlessly as he held her tight to him. Over an hour passed before he felt sure she was settled and he was sure her nightmare had passed. He considered quietly slipping from the bed to return to his room but he didn't want to go. Though he tried to tell himself it was for her benefit, he knew himself better than that. Eventually, he too fell asleep.

When the laptop hit the floor Edward woke then shot up in the bed. It took him a moment to orient himself to the unfamiliar surroundings but when he turned to see Lilly curled up in the chair rocking he knew something was wrong. Still groggy from sleep and sensing the fear that was coursing through her he bolted from the bed and in the blink of an eye was kneeling on the ground in front of her. It was instances like these where he neglected to moderate the speed at which he could move and in this case the concern was the furthest thing from his mind.

"What's wrong?" he asked as he reached out, placing his reassuring hands on her hips. He could see the same fear in her eyes that he'd seen in the club the night before and he knew it had to be related.

 

[Perplexia]

With his hands on her hips her breathing began to slow. "He somehow figured out who i was." she said shakingly. "I" she gasped for breath and tried to slow her breathing again. She was safe, there was no way that he could get to her here. "I checked my email, and got a new assignment for a club on the outskirts of town. It was a little odd that i got one so soon. But sometimes it happens. I began my research, like i do on any assignment. The club has supposedly been there for a few years. But there's no listing online. There's no reviews, no mention in the business directory. I searched the owner name, again nothing. I did a google street map, its empty, there's nothing there. It's fake. It's a trap. The email said that i was personally requested to do it."

Her body trembled as she slowly lowered her legs to the floor and placed her hands on his arms. "Someone had to have answered questions that tipped him off." Slowly she reached down with one hand and picked up the laptop. Opening it she typed in her code and it came up with the last page she was on. Turning it around she showed him. "Am I losing my mind? Did i imagine this?" She clicked on the email and opened it up so he could see the details that were provided.

She took a deep sigh and let him look. "i'm also going to say something that's really weird, so feel free to kick me out if it freaks you out." Lily looked down at him. "I'm not one of those people that like to be touched. Yet for some reason touching you, or you touching me seems to calm me almost instantly. It doesn't make any sense. I'm assuming that last night you responded to my night terrors. Thank you for that. I haven't slept like that since before my whole ordeal."

 

[cnuveau]

Edward listened as Lilly explained what had her so upset. The idea that someone would be so fixated on one person seemed so foreign to him but he didn't doubt that that was exactly what was happening. When she picked up her laptop and gave it to him, Edward read through the email then followed the same trail she had and came to the same conclusion. "I don't think you're losing your mind. I think there is definitely something fishy about all this." He said as he closed the laptop then set it aside, still pondering what should be done about it.

Edward was inclined to have Lilly take the assignment so that he could accompany her and take care of this problem she had once and for all. Doing so would likely reveal far more about himself to her than he was comfortable with at the moment though. As he thought her voice pulled him back into the moment and he looked up at her.

"Yes, I heard you scream so I came in to check on you. You didn't seem to want me to leave so I stayed. I'm glad my presence helped you rest." he replied still not sure how to respond to her statement about how his touch seemed to calm her. Fact was, her touch had an affect on him as well. He was certainly not starved for the touch of a woman but in her touch he found a warmth and an intimacy that he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long time. "I think it's just that you sense that you're safe with me and I'm glad to have that trust. It's not something I'll squander." he continued finally.

The safety she seemed to feel with him reinforced Edwards sense that he was her protector and, as such, he'd need to be willing to trust her with whatever she learned about him. He wasn't eager to reveal himself fully to her but if saving her meant exposing himself, that was a bargain he was willing to make. "I think you should take the assignment. I'll accompany you and we'll take care of this situation of yours once and for all." he said as he stood from the foot of the chair she was perched in. "I think you've lived under this cloud for long enough."

 

[Perplexia]

Lily smiled softly as he said he simply thought she felt safe with him and he wouldn't squander her trust. When he brought up her taking the assignment, her body tensed up once again. She wondered if he was suicidal for putting himself at such risk. "I couldn't ask you to put yourself in danger like that. I don't think he's ever been told no in his life, and when he has been, he will try anything to get his way. Honestly, i wouldn't have saved myself a lot of pain had I just given in to his demands. But there was something in me that didn't want him to win. But i do agree he needs to be stopped once and for all. Unless you have a small army at your disposal, i don't see how that's feasible." she paused for a moment and then shook her head no. "Even then if he saw your face, it would put you and your business at risk."

She stood up and moved to the end of her bed pacing back and forth before finally crawling back on top of it and laying face down. Lily wanted to scream and beat the hell out of the pillows. But she wasn't about to do that in front of Edward that would be insane. Half of her wanted him to crawl back in bed with her, and the other half didn't trust this calmness that surrounded them. Maybe all she was feeling toward him was appreciation for giving her the job opportunity, the comfort of his calmness. Sitting back up she retrieved her laptop and sat back down in the hair she had first been in.

"We should probably get started on the ideas of your book." she stated hoping to change the subject. In honesty her nerves were on edge. She wasn't going to be able to concentrate much on his book. With any luck it would simply distract him from intervening on her behalf.

 

[cnuveau]

Lilly’s hesitation to provoke a confrontation was understandable but all that had gotten her this far was anxiety and fear. At some point it had to all come to an end and the one thing Edward was sure of is that he could do just that.

“You trust me so I’m asking you to trust me now. I’m walking into this with my eyes wide open. I recognize the risks and am willing to accept them even though I don’t think it’s going to end in his favor.” Edward said as she paced in front of the bed then flopped down face first.

As she laid on the bed he couldn’t help but appreciate the way the the pale skin of her breast peaked out from beneath the tank top she was wearing. It was a brief moment that he allowed himself the indulgence of seeing her as more than someone he wanted to protect and help. Those moments seemed to be increasingly frequent though and it make him wonder just how long he’d be able to abide her “no monkey business” rule.

When she sat back in the chair trying to divert the conversation away from confronting her stalked her kneeled in front of her again, placing his hands on her knees as he looked into her eyes. “Open your email and accept the assignment.” He told her in a forceful tone that he knew she’d find difficult not to obey.

 

[Perplexia]

There was no disputing his reasoning. She had trusted him thus far, and there was no reason not to trust him now. Other than the fact he was just a mere man and Jake and his goons would tear him apart. That was her fear, less so for herself, and more so for him. She nodded and wanted to plead with him to rethink his strategy. Maybe he was right, maybe he could handle the situation. But it still wasn't worth the risk to him or her.

When he knelt in front of her and placed his hands on her thighs. She thought she would melt. Her concerned tear full eyes looked back into his as if he could will his strength into her. When he told her to respond to the email in his commanding tone, she found herself wanting to listen, wanting to please him. So she said "yes Sir" and obeyed his command. A tear escaped her eye and she found herself leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his neck not wanting to let go.

It didn't cross her mind that her perky breasts pressed against his chest through the thin material may tempt her 'no monkey business' clause. All she knew is she had to be near him. He was putting himself in danger for someone he'd only just met not even 24 hours ago. What kind of man would do that for someone? Slowly taking a deep breath inhaling his scent caused a peacefulness to once again roll through her body like a wave of warmth. "I'm sorry" she said still not letting him go.

 

[cnuveau]

"Good girl." Edward said, pleased that it didn't seem that he would have to fight her on this any more. Her concern for both their safety was evident and, given the limited amount she knew about him, was well placed but he had no such fears. He'd faced entire mobs bent on his demise and come out the other side unscathed so this seemed no more dangerous.

When she flung her arms around him again her soft body pressing into him chipped away at the last bit of resolve he had to abide by her rules. His arms wrapped around her as he rose from his haunches and leaned into her. The scent of her hair tickled his nose as his hand slipped to the small of her back, finding the bottom of her tank top then slipped beneath while the other hand cradled the back of her neck pulling her tighter to him. Her words barely registered in his mind as he pressed his lips against her neck. The rhythmic thump of the blood coursing through her veins just beneath his lips sent his pulse racing requiring him to fight back the urge to taste her.

Edward held her, still for a moment as he kissed her neck then drew his tongue softly across her sweet skin. Even as he fought the urge the unmistakable sensation of his fangs sliding into place sent warning bells blaring in his mind. In any other circumstance he wouldn't hesitate to indulge himself but Lilly was somehow different.

 

[Perplexia]

For some reason when he said 'good girl' it made her feel happy that she pleased him. Proud that she pleased him. The feeling of his hand on her skin sent a jolt through her that she'd never experienced before. His other hand on the back of her neck made her feel safe and secure. When his lips touched her neck a soft moan escaped her lips making her melt against him, as she arched her neck for him. "my name is lily" she said softly. Realizing she had never told him who she really was.

"Do you think i should bother to put my disguise on tonight?" she asked lightly as one hand moved through his hair and fingers lightly trailed down his neck. Lily didn't want this feeling to end. She was safe with him and she knew it. She knew that she could say stop and he would. But this man was intoxicating, he was enticing and gave her an electric wave of desire she never had thought possible. It was too soon to engage in anything romantic with him. At least with Jake looming over her at every corner. That wouldn't be fair to Edward. If he could somehow make him go away permanently. That would open up a world of opportunity for her.

"Edward" she whispered with slight regret lingering in her tone. "I can't, I've never". They barely knew each other. As much as he awakened her body she needed to be closer to him on all levels. But god how she didn't want him to stop. The way he made her feel was the way the characters in the books felt when they were engaged in a heated passion that true love had gifted them. Their forever partners. Jake had always told her she was a tease. That she caused him such anguish every time she refused his advances. "I'm so sorry to have led you on, i swear I'm not a tease" she whimpered.

 

[cnuveau]

Edward nuzzled her neck then lifted his head slightly as he opened his mouth and bared his fangs. The urge to taste her was becoming more than he could take and he was unable to fight it anymore. Slowly, he moved closer again as his heart raced in anticipation of that first blissful taste of her blood flooding his mouth. It was just as the tip of his fangs grazed the soft flesh of her neck when her words halted him in his tracks. “Nice to meet you Lilly.” he whispered into her neck, pulling himself back from the brink of feeding on her.

The sensation of her fingers running through his hair the.down the back of his neck caused goosebumps to form on Edward’s skin as a shiver ran through him. “I don’t think you’ll need to worry about disguised anymore?” He said before his lips pressed more firmly into her neck as his hand drifted up the bare skin of her side then brushed across the side of her breast.

It was obvious that the touch of her breast startled her enough to force her to call out his name in an effort to halt the escalation he’d initiated. “It’s ok. In your own time.” He replied as his hand drifted lower to her hip.

He wasn’t entirely sure what she meant when she said she’d never. It seemed unlikely that she’d never been with a man before but it seemed like the most likely interpretation of her words. The idea of it both excited and intrigued him. Could it be she was someone he might be able to mold entirely? He thought to himself as he withdrew from her then looked into her eyes.

“I should go.” He said, almost breathless, with his lips just inches from hers. Leaning in he quickly pressed them to hers then stood to go.

 

[Perplexia]

The kiss was short and chased as his lips touched hers. She was breathless as he stood in front of her. He'd left her mind swimming. She wasn't sure wether she should start looking for a new place to stay or offer to make him breakfast. She rose from the chair standing an inch away, he was completely intoxicating. "I'm going to make some breakfast, is there anything you would like?" she questioned innocently. Lily didn't realize she'd almost been his breakfast.

That would have probably been disastrous if she had, until Jake was dealt with, she wouldn't be able to even begin to heal. "I'm not a chef, but it was at one time a career path i considered." she joked trying to lighten the sexually tense mood in the room. If she dwelled too much on what could have happened she would freak herself out. This man could have any member of his harem as anytime. She wasn't going to be just a wakeup fling and make things awkward for their working relationship.

"If your morning is free she added, we could start on the outline for your book." Even in her mind that came across as cheesy. How did she recover from this colossal screw up? What she did know is that with his options he wouldn't be repeating his advances. It's not that it was a bad thing. She certainly wasn't in any position to even compete with any of his harem members. She was scarred and broken. No man in his right mind would want to get entangled with that. She had nothing to offer a man of his caliber.

"i'll just see what you have in the kitchen and make something.". She slid past him as she exited the bedroom and made her way to his kitchen. Deciding on making some french toast.

 

[cnuveau]

That last thing Edward wanted to do in that moment was walk out of the room but he knew that if he didn't, what little self control he had left wouldn't be enough to stop him from taking what he desired. "Yes, some breakfast would be good." he said, still trying to get a grip on himself. Only inches from him it would have been so easy to take the breakfast he actually wanted. The pang of hunger in his stomach seemed to vibrate through him as his eyes fell onto the subtle lines of her neck then took a step back to create some distance. "I'm sure whatever you find to make will be wonderful." He continued, still distracted by the intrusive thoughts that he couldn't seem to to shake.

"I'm going to take a shower and I'll be down in a few minutes." he said, after she slid past time then started toward the door.

Edward made his way to the bathroom in his suite then turned on the shower before slipping out of his night clothes. The mix of hunger and desire swirled in his mind like a whirlwind leaving him feeling more unbalanced than he'd felt in a very long time. Stepping into the shower, Edward let the hot water cascade down his toned body as he closed his eyes and leaned against the cool tile. Letting out a long breath his mind took him back to Lilly's bed as she clung to him. With their limbs entwined his mouth explored hers as his hands slipped to her waist then pushed her shorts past her hips. The image of her naked body pressed to his caused him to let out a soft moan as his hand slipped down his stomach than wrapped around his hardening cock and began to stroke it. The pulsing veins throbbed beneath his fingers and he could almost feel her arms and legs wrapped around him as he pressed forward, sinking his length deep inside her. "Fuuuuck." he breathed out as his pace quickened and his mouth fell open, catching droplets of water that splashed from his trembling body as her moans flooded his mind. As it hit, Edward lunged forward pressing a hand into the opposite wall of the shower as his body began to spasm uncontrollably. Stream after stream of his thick seed cascaded onto the shower floor then swirled around the drain before disappearing from sight.

After taking a few minutes to collect himself Edward turned off the shower then stepped out feeling drained but more clear headed. After tying his long wet hair back he dressed in a pair of white linen slacks and a flowing shirt then rejoining Lilly downstairs. "That smells wonderful." he said, as he made it to the bottom of the stairs.

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled thinking 'damn he looks wonderful' there was a moment where she had to collect her thoughts. "I promise they will taste better" she said placing a plate and fork and knife before him. Placing the syrup on the table she set the plate of stacked French toast in front of him. "Having no real opportunity to eat out i was forced to get creative with some recipes putting my own twist on it. These are also freezable, so a quick on the go , pop them in the microwave or toaster and they taste just as good." 'Nervous talking' she scolded herself.

"coffee or tea?" she questioned , and poured him his choice providing some creamer and sugar if he needed it. She took a seat a chair away from him and began to eat her meal silently while trying not to look at him. She wasn't in the least bit upset that the no monkey business clause had been thrown out the window. There was nothing that he did that was against what she wanted. If anything she felt bad that she had put him into any discomfort because of it. After all, for years the only boyfriend she'd ever had told her what a tease she was. How she caused him physical pain with her denial.

When she was done she got up and began to clean up her dishes and the items she used to make their breakfast. Lily knew he wanted her to go to the interview. She had agreed, but still had her reservations. The mere thought of coming face to face with Jake terrified her. If it didn't go the way Edward thought it would, Jake would have her in his clutches. The mere thought made her hands begin to tremble as began to wash the dishes.

Taking a moment she regrouped herself and finished up. "i'm going to go up and grab my laptop if you wanted to start the outline of your book. Or if you have other things you need to do, i can make myself scarce."

 

[cnuveau]

“oh, coffee would be great.” He said as he sat down in from to the plate she’d set out for him. It was so rare that he actually ate anything for breakfast that it was a treat for him when it did happen.

As they ate in silence he wondered if it was what happened earlier that was causing her to fall silent. To him it seemed like she was just as interested as he was but he had no idea if the baggage she carried had caused a change of heart.

“That was fantastic. Thank you.” He said as she began to clear the dishes and clean the kitchen. He could definitely get used to having someone around that could cook from time to time even though much of the time he ended up eating at the club.

“Why don’t you put on a swim suit and we’ll go over it by the pool.” He said as he picked up the remote then began to retract the blinds that were blocking the view of the balcony. He was thankful that the aversion to sunlight being a myth because he loved nothing more than sitting by the pool relaxing in the warm sun.

Making his way back upstairs Edward changed into a pair of board shorts then came back down. In retrospect he probably should have worn them originally but he was trying to make an impression.

 

[Perplexia]

"You're welcome" Lily responded as to thanking her for breakfast. "I don't own one" she said in response to his statement of putting on a swimsuit. "But i do have shorts and a shirt that will work." She made her way up the stairs to her room and shut her door. Finding a sports bra and a oversized black t'shirt. She placed that on with a pair of dance skin shorts tying them tight to be sure the water didn't make them fall off. Putting on a pair of flip flops she grabbed a towel and made her way downstairs.

The pool was sparkling in the sunlight, and invited her to dip her toes in and sit on the edge. The vision of him coming through the door was spectacular. He was breathtaking. Just the thought of him coming up out of the water and having it drip down his bare chest caused her to teeter a little. Her fingers gripped the edge of the pool turning her knuckles white.

She smiled to him managing somehow to say "great suggestion".

Lowering herself into the pool she dove under swimming down to the bottom and across and then returned popping up and then dipping her head back so her long hair was slicked back. Her t'shirt clinging to her breasts enwrapped in the sports bra. She needed to cool off after watching him come out in nothing but his shorts.

 

[cnuveau]

When Edward walked out to see Lilly perched on the side of the pool in shorts and a t'shirt he made a mental note to send Celia out to purchase her some swimsuits. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a leisurely day enjoying his pool and if she was going to be staying with him for any length of time it would seems she'd need them. He expected it might also be her scars that made her apprehensive to wear such a thing but he hoped in time she'd see them more as symbol of her survival than something she needed to hide.

Seeing her slip beneath the water he continued to the edge of the pool then stopped just as she surfaced. For a moment he was captivated by the sight of her shirt clinging to her body as she dipped her head back into the water, clearing the hair from her face. There was a touch of disappointment that she'd chosen to wear a bra beneath the shirt but after this morning he reasoned it was likely a good thing to not layer on that additional distraction.

"Thanks, it's a beautiful day and I can't imagine a better way to spend it." he replied refocusing his gaze on her face.

After taking a seat at the edge of the pool he pressed his hands into the pool deck to slowly lower himself in. The cool water felt amazing as he lowered himself more then allowed himself to fully submerge for a moment. As he broke the surface he brushed his long hair back away from his face then leaned back against the edge of the pool, draping his arms out to each side of him on the pool deck.

Given the number of times she'd asked about getting started on an outline for the book he knew he couldn't put that conversation off forever. Even though it was a ruse to draw her closer to him it wasn't as if he could just put it off forever so he decided to start sketching out some thoughts. "So for the book I was hoping it would be a memoire chronicling my ascent from relatively humble roots to where I am now. I realize that in and of itself isn't all that notable but I feel like the circuitous path that I took might make for a good story." he said, knowing that what he was proposing would likely be a work of fiction rather than an actual memoire. It was a plan that he knew, at some point, would unwind and be exposed for what it was but he hoped that by that point it wouldn't matter. For the time being he seemed reasonably sure he could weave an even mix of actual experiences with a fabricated conventional life that would be plausible enough to maintain the ruse.