taken a step, but I ignored him and went to the huge gold bed, plopping down
on the edge and then sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms wrapped around my knees.

Okay, I grumbled. Now that I was where I wanted to be, I could afford a little reluctance. Let me
have it.

Edward laughed.

 He climbed onto the bed to sit next to me, and my heart thumped unevenly. Hopefully he would write
that off as some reaction to him giving me presents.

 A hand-me-down, he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left wrist away from my leg, and touched the
silver bracelet for just a moment. Then he gave me my arm back.

 I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the chain from the wolf, there now hung a brilliant
heart-shaped crystal. It was cut in a million facets, so that even in the subdued light shining from the lamp,
it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp.

 It was my mothers. He shrugged deprecatingly. I inherited quite a few baubles like this. Ive given
some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a big deal in any way.

I smiled ruefully at his assurance.

 But I thought it was a good representation, he continued. Its hard and cold. He laughed. And it
throws rainbows in the sunlight.

You forgot the most important similarity, I murmured. Its beautiful.

My heart is just as silent, he mused. And it, too, is yours.

I twisted my wrist so the heart would glimmer. Thank you. For both.

 No, thankyou. Its a relief to have you accept a gift so easily. Good practice for you, too. He grinned,
flashing his teeth.

 I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably felt similar to
snuggling with MichelangelosDavid, except that this perfect marble creature wrapped his arms around
me to pull me closer.

It seemed like a good place to start.

Can we discuss something? Id appreciate it if you couldbegin by being open-minded.

He hesitated for a moment. Ill give it my best effort, he agreed, cautious now.

 Im not breaking any rules here, I promised. This is strictly about you and me. I cleared my throat.
So . . . I was impressed by how well we were able to compromise the other night. I was thinking I
would like to apply the same principle to a different situation. I wondered why I was being so formal.
Must be the nerves.
What would you like to negotiate? he asked, a smile in his voice.

I struggled, trying to find exactly the right words to open with.

Listen to your heart fly, he murmured. Its fluttering like a hummingbirds wings. Are you all right?

Im great.

Please go on then, he encouraged.

Well, I guess, first, I wanted to talk to you about that whole ridiculous marriage condition thing.

Its only ridiculous to you. What about it?

I was wondering . . . isthat open to negotiation?

 Edward frowned, serious now. Ive already made the largest concession by far and away  Ive
agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to entitle me to a few
compromises on your part.

No. I shook my head, focusing on keeping my face composed. That parts a done deal. Were not
discussing my . . . renovations right now. I want to hammer out some other details.

He looked at me suspiciously. Which details do you mean exactly?

I hesitated. Lets clarify your prerequisites first.

You know what I want.

Matrimony.I made it sound like a dirty word.

Yes. He smiled a wide smile. To start with.

The shock spoiled my carefully composed expression. Theres more?

 Well, he said, and his face was calculating. If youre my wife, then whats mine is yours . . . like
tuition money. So there would be no problem with Dartmouth.

Anything else? While youre already being absurd?

I wouldnt mind sometime. 

No. No time. Thats a deal breaker right there.

He sighed longingly. Just a year or two?

I shook my head, my lips set in a stubborn frown. Move along to the next one.

Thats it. Unless youd like to talk cars . . .
He grinned widely when I grimaced, then took my hand and began playing with my fingers.

 I didnt realize there was anything else you wanted besides being transformed into a monster yourself.
Im extremely curious. His voice was low and soft. The slight edge would have been hard to detect if I
hadnt known it so well.

I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I still didnt know how to begin. I felt his eyes watching me and I
was afraid to look up. The blood began to burn in my face.

 His cool fingers brushed my cheek. Youre blushing? he asked in surprise. I kept my eyes down.
Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.

I bit my lip.

Bella. His tone reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my thoughts to
myself.

Well, Im a little worried . . . about after, I admitted, finally looking at him.

I felt his body tense, but his voice was gentle and velvet. What has you worried?

 All of you just seemso convinced that the only thing Im going to be interested in, afterward, is
slaughtering everyone in town, I confessed, while he winced at my choice of words. And Im afraid Ill
be so preoccupied with the mayhem that I wont beme anymore . . . and that I wont . . . I wontwant
you the same way I do now.

Bella, that part doesnt last forever, he assured me.

He was missing the point.

 Edward, I said, nervous, staring at a freckle on my wrist. Theres something that I want to do before
Im not human anymore.

He waited for me to continue. I didnt. My face was all hot.

Whatever you want, he encouraged, anxious and completely clueless.

Do you promise? I muttered, knowing my attempt to trap him with his words was not going to work,
but unable to resist.

Yes, he said. I looked up to see that his eyes were earnest and confused. Tell me what you want, and
you can have it.

 I couldnt believe how awkward and idiotic I felt. I was too innocent  which was, of course, central to
the discussion. I didnt have the faintest idea how to be seductive. I would just have to settle for flushed
and self-conscious.

You, I mumbled almost incoherently.

Im yours. He smiled, still oblivious, trying to hold my gaze as I looked away again.
 I took a deep breath and shifted forward so that I was kneeling on the bed. Then I wrapped my arms
around his neck and kissed him.

He kissed me back, bewildered but willing. His lips were gentle against mine, and I could tell his mind
was elsewhere  trying to figure out what was onmy mind. I decided he needed a hint.

 My hands were slightly shaky as I unlocked my arms from around his neck. My fingers slid down his
neck to the collar of his shirt. The trembling didnt help as I tried to hurry to undo the buttons before he
stopped me.

His lips froze, and I could almost hear the click in his head as he put together my words and my actions.

He pushed me away at once, his face heavily disapproving.

Be reasonable, Bella.

You promised  whatever I wanted, I reminded him without hope.

Were not having this discussion. He glared at me while he refastened the two buttons Id managed to
open.

My teeth clamped together.

I say we are, I growled. I moved my hands to my blouse and yanked open the top button.

He grabbed my wrists and pinned them to my sides.

I say were not, he said flatly.

We glowered at each other.

You wanted to know, I pointed out.

I thought it would be something faintly realistic.

 So you can ask for any stupid, ridiculous thingyou want  like gettingmarried  butIm not allowed
to evendiscuss what I 

While I was ranting, he pulled my hands together to restrain them in just one of his, and put his other
hand over my mouth.

No. His face was hard.

I took a deep breath to steady myself. And, as the anger began to fade, I felt something else.

 It took me a minute to recognize why I was staring down again, the blush returning  why my stomach
felt uneasy, why there was too much moisture in my eyes, why I suddenly wanted to run from the room.

Rejection washed through me, instinctive and strong.

I knew it was irrational. Hed been very clear on other occasions that my safety was the only factor. Yet
Id never made myself quite so vulnerable before. I scowled at the golden comforter that matched his
eyes and tried to banish the reflex reaction that told me I was unwanted and unwantable.

 Edward sighed. The hand over my mouth moved under my chin, and he pulled my face up until I had to
look at him.

What now?

Nothing, I mumbled.

He scrutinized my face for long moment while I tried unsuccessfully to twist away from his gaze. His
brow furrowed, and his expression became horrified.

Did I hurt your feelings? he asked, shocked.

No, I lied.

 So quickly that I wasnt even sure how it happened, I was in his arms, my face cradled between his
shoulder and his hand, while his thumb stroked reassuringly against my cheek.

You know why I have to say no, he murmured. You know that I want you, too.

Do you? I whispered, my voice full of doubt.

 Of course I do, you silly, beautiful, oversensitive girl. He laughed once, and then his voice was bleak.
Doesnt everyone? I feel like theres a line behind me, jockeying for position, waiting for me to make a
big enough mistake. . . . Youre too desirable for your own good.

 Whos being silly now? I doubted if awkward, self-conscious, and inept added up todesirable in
anyones book.

 Do I have to send a petition around to get you to believe? Shall I tell you whose names would be on the
top of the list? You know a few of them, but some might surprise you.

 I shook my head against his chest, grimacing. Youre just trying to distract me. Lets get back to the
subject.

He sighed.

 Tell me if I have anything wrong. I tried to sound detached. Your demands are marriage  I
couldnt say the word without making a face  paying my tuition, more time, and you wouldnt mind if
my vehicle went a little faster. I raised my eyebrows. Did I get everything? Thats a hefty list.

 Only the first is a demand. He seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. The others
are merely requests.

And my lone, solitary little demand is 

Demand? he interrupted, suddenly serious again.

Yes, demand.
His eyes narrowed.

Getting married is a stretch for me. Im not giving in unless I get something in return.

He leaned down to whisper in my ear. No, he murmured silkily. Its not possible now. Later, when
youre less breakable. Be patient, Bella.

 I tried to keep my voice firm and reasonable. But thats the problem. It wont be thesame when Im
less breakable. I wont be the same! I dont knowwho Ill be then.

Youll still be Bella, he promised.

 I frowned. If Im so far gone that Id want to kill Charlie  that Id drink Jacobs blood or Angelas if
I got the chance  how can that be true?

 It will pass. And I doubt youll want to drink the dogs blood. He pretended to shudder at the thought.
Even as a newborn, youll have better taste than that.

 I ignored his attempt to sidetrack me. But that will always be what I want most, wont it? I challenged.
Blood, blood, and more blood!

The fact that you are still alive is proof that that is not true, he pointed out.

 Over eighty years later, I reminded him. What I meant wasphysically, though. Intellectually, I know
Ill be able to be myself . . . after a while. But just purely physically  I will always be thirsty, more than
anything else.

He didnt answer.

 So Iwill be different, I concluded unopposed. Because right now, physically, theres nothing I want
more than you. More than food or water or oxygen. Intellectually, I have my priorities in a slightly more
sensible order. But physically . . .

I twisted my head to kiss the palm of his hand.

He took a deep breath. I was surprised that it sounded a little unsteady.

Bella, I could kill you, he whispered.

I dont think you could.

 Edwards eyes tightened. He lifted his hand from my face and reached quickly behind himself for
something I couldnt see. There was a muffled snapping sound, and the bed quivered beneath us.

 Something dark was in his hand; he held it up for my curious examination. It was a metal flower, one of
the roses that adorned the wrought iron posts and canopy of his bed frame. His hand closed for a brief
second, his fingers contracting gently, and then it opened again.

Without a word, he offered me the crushed, uneven lump of black metal. It was a cast of the inside of his
hand, like a piece of play dough squeezed in a childs fist. A half-second passed, and the shape crumbled
into black sand in his palm.

 I glared. Thats not what I meant. I alreadyknow how strong you are. You didnt have to break the
furniture.

 Whatdid you mean then? he asked in a dark voice, tossing the handful of iron sand to the corner of the
room; it hit the wall with a sound like rain.

His eyes were intent on my face as I struggled to explain.

Obviously not that you arent physically able hurt me, if you wanted to . . . More that, youdont want to
hurt me . . . so much so that I dont think that you ever could.

He started shaking his head before I was done.

It might not work like that, Bella.

Might, I scoffed. You have no more idea what youre talking about than I do.

Exactly. Do you imagine I would ever take that kind of risk with you?

I stared into his eyes for a long minute. There was no sign of compromise, no hint of indecision in them.

 Please, I finally whispered, hopeless. Its all I want. Please. I closed my eyes in defeat, waiting for
the quick and final no.

 But he didnt answer immediately. I hesitated in disbelief, stunned to hear that his breathing was uneven
again.

I opened my eyes, and his face was torn.

 Please? I whispered again, my heartbeat picking up speed. My words tumbled out as I rushed to take
advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes. You dont have to make me any guarantees. If it
doesnt work out right, well, then thats that. Just let ustry . . . only try. And Ill give you what you want,
I promised rashly. Ill marry you. Ill let you pay for Dartmouth, and I wont complain about the bribe to
get me in. You can even buy me a fast car if that makes you happy! Just . . .please. 

His icy arms tightened around me, and his lips were at my ear; his cool breath made me shiver. This is
unbearable. So many things Ive wanted to give you  andthis is what you decide to demand. Do you
have any idea how painful it is, trying to refuse you when you plead with me this way?

Then dont refuse, I suggested breathlessly.

He didnt respond.

Please, I tried again.

 Bella . . . He shook his head slowly, but it didnt feel like a denial as his face, his lips, moved back and
forth across my throat. It felt more like surrender. My heart, racing already, spluttered frantically.

Again, I took what advantage I could. When his face turned toward mine with the slow movement of his
indecision, I twisted quickly in his arms till my lips reached his. His hands seized my face, and I thought
he was going to push me away again.

I was wrong.

 His mouth was not gentle; there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips
moved. I locked my arms around his neck, and, to my suddenly overheated skin, his body felt colder
than ever. I trembled, but it was not from the chill.

 He didnt stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips did
not leave my skin, they just moved to my throat. The thrill of victory was a strange high; it made me feel
powerful. Brave. My hands werent unsteady now; I got through with the buttons on his shirt this time
easily, and my fingers traced the perfect planes of his icy chest. He was too beautiful. What was the word
hed used just now? Unbearable  that was it. His beauty was too much to bear. . . .

 I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. One of his hands still cupped my
face, his other arm was tight around my waist, straining me closer to him. It made it slightly more difficult
as I tried to reach the front of my shirt, but not impossible.

 Cold iron fetters locked around my wrists, and pulled my hands above my head, which was suddenly on
a pillow.

 His lips were at my ear again. Bella, he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. Would youplease stop
trying to take your clothes off?

Do you want to do that part? I asked, confused.

Not tonight, he answered softly. His lips were slower now against my cheek and jaw, all the urgency
gone.

Edward, dont , I started to argue.

Im not saying no, he reassured me. Im just sayingnot tonight. 

I thought about that while my breathing slowed.

 Give me one good reason why tonight is not as good as any other night. I was still breathless; it made
the frustration in my voice less impressive.

 I wasnt born yesterday. He chuckled in my ear. Out of the two of us, which do you think is more
unwilling to give the other what they want? You just promised to marry me before you do any changing,
but if I give in tonight, what guarantee do I have that you wont go running off to Carlisle in the morning? I
am  clearly  much less reluctant to give you what you want. Therefore . . . you first.

I exhaled with a loud huff. I have to marry you first? I asked in disbelief.

Thats the deal  take it or leave it. Compromise, remember?

His arms wrapped around me, and he began kissing me in a way that should be illegal. Too persuasive
 it was duress, coercion. I tried to keep a clear head . . . and failed quickly and absolutely.
I think thats a really bad idea, I gasped when he let me breathe.

Im not surprised you feel that way. He smirked. You have a one-track mind.

 How did this happen? I grumbled. I thought I was holding my own tonight  for once  and now,
all of a sudden 

Youre engaged, he finished.

Ew!Please dont say that out loud.

Are you going back on your word? he demanded. He pulled away to read my face. His expression
was entertained. He was having fun.

I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his smile made my heart react.

Are you? he pressed.

Ugh! I groaned. No. Im not. Are you happy now?

His smile was blinding. Exceptionally.

I groaned again.

Arent you happy at all?

He kissed me again before I could answer. Another too-persuasive kiss.

A little bit, I admitted when I could speak. But not about getting married.

 He kissed me another time. Do you get the feeling that everything is backward? he laughed in my ear.
Traditionally, shouldnt you be arguing my side, and I yours?

There isnt much thats traditional about you and me.

True.

He kissed me again, and kept going until my heart was racing and my skin was flushed.

 Look, Edward, I murmured, my voice wheedling, when he paused to kiss the palm of my hand. I said
I would marry you, and I will. I promise. I swear. If you want, Ill sign a contract in my own blood.

Not funny, he murmured against the inside of my wrist.

 What Im saying is this  Im not going to trick you or anything. You know me better than that. So
theres really no reason to wait. Were completely alone  how often does that happen?  and youve
provided this very large and comfortable bed. . . .

Not tonight, he said again.

Dont you trust me?
Of course I do.

Using the hand that he was still kissing, I pulled his face back up to where I could see his expression.

 Then whats the problem? Its not like you didnt know you were going to win in the end. I frowned
and muttered, You always win.

Just hedging my bets, he said calmly.

 Theres something else, I guessed, my eyes narrowing. There was a defensiveness about his face, a
faint hint of some secret motive he was trying to hide behind his casual manner. Areyou planning to go
back on your word?

No, he promised solemnly. I swear to you, wewill try. After you marry me.

I shook my head, and laughed glumly. You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama  twirling my
mustache while I try to steal some poor girls virtue.

 His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips
against my collarbone.

Thats it, isnt it? The short laugh that escaped me was more shocked than amused. Youre trying to
protect your virtue! I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words
were so . . . old-fashioned.

 No, silly girl, he muttered against my shoulder. Im trying to protectyours. And youre making it
shockingly difficult.

Of all the ridiculous 

Let me ask you something, he interrupted quickly. Weve had this discussion before, but humor me.
How many people in this room have a soul? A shot at heaven, or whatever there is after this life?

Two, I answered immediately, my voice fierce.

 All right. Maybe thats true. Now, theres a world full of dissension about this, but the vast majority
seem to think that there are some rules that have to be followed.

Vampire rules arent enough for you? You want to worry about the human ones too?

It couldnt hurt. He shrugged. Just in case.

I glared at him through narrowed eyes.

Now, of course, it might be too late for me, even if you are right about my soul.

No, it isnt, I argued angrily.

Thou shalt not killis commonly accepted by most major belief systems. And Ive killed a lot of
people, Bella.
Only the bad ones.

He shrugged. Maybe that counts, maybe it doesnt. But you havent killed anyone 

Thatyou know about, I muttered.

 He smiled, but otherwise ignored the interruption. And Im going to do my best to keep you out of
temptations way.

Okay. But we werent fighting over committing murder, I reminded him.

 The same principle applies  the only difference is that this is the one area in which Im just as spotless
as you are. Cant I leave one rule unbroken?

One?

 You know that Ive stolen, Ive lied, Ive coveted . . . my virtue is all I have left. He grinned
crookedly.

I lie all the time.

Yes, but youre such a bad liar that it doesnt really count. Nobody believes you.

I really hope youre wrong about that  because otherwise Charlie is about to burst through the door
with a loaded gun.

 Charlie is happier when he pretends to swallow your stories. Hed rather lie to himself than look too
closely. He grinned at me.

But what did you ever covet? I asked doubtfully. You have everything.

 I coveted you. His smile darkened. I had no right to want you  but I reached out and took you
anyway. And now look whats become of you! Trying to seduce a vampire. He shook his head in mock
horror.

You can covet whats already yours, I informed him. Besides, I thought it wasmy virtue you were
worried about.

 It is. If its too late for me . . . Well, Ill be damned  no pun intended  if Ill let them keep you out,
too.

You cant make me go somewhere you wont be, I vowed. Thats my definition of hell. Anyway, I
have an easy solution to all this: lets never die, all right?

Sounds simple enough. Why didnt I think of that?

He smiled at me until I gave up with an angryhumph. So thats it. You wont sleep with me until were
married. 

Technically, I cant eversleep with you.
I rolled my eyes. Very mature, Edward.

But, other than that detail, yes, youve got it right.

I think you have an ulterior motive.

His eyes widened innocently. Another one?

You know this will speed things up, I accused.

 He tried not to smile. There is only one thing I want to speed up, and the rest can wait forever . . . but
for that, its true, your impatient human hormones are my most powerful ally at this point.

I cant believe Im going along with this. When I think of Charlie . . . and Ren?e! Can you imagine what
Angela will think? Or Jessica? Ugh. I can hear the gossip now.

 He raised one eyebrow at me, and I knew why. What did it matter what they said about me when I
leaving soon and not coming back? Was I really so oversensitive that I couldnt bear a few weeks of
sidelong glances and leading questions?

 Maybe it wouldnt bug me so much if I didnt know that I would probably be gossiping just as
condescendingly as the rest of them if it was someone else getting married this summer.

Gah. Married this summer! I shuddered.

And then, maybe it wouldnt bug me so much if I hadnt been raised to shudder at the thought of
marriage.

Edward interrupted my fretting. It doesnt have to be a big production. I dont need any fanfare. You
wont have to tell anyone or make any changes. Well go to Vegas  you can wear old jeans and well
go to the chapel with the drive-through window. I just want it to be official  that you belong to me and
no one else. 

It couldnt be 