 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 