Il Mio Amore

Chapter 9

We went back to the house and I went directly to Nessie, reassuring her that I wasn't leaving. It is definitely something new, having people, good people worry about me. Having a child worry about me, I'm not sure how to proceed but I'll learn. I'm sure that I'll learn.

Christmas came pretty quickly the week after my confession. Nessie gave out Christmas cards to everyone here before going to her grandfather's house. What they're doing with the human isn't safe, they are putting him in a lot of danger. While Edward, Bella, Nessie, and Jacob were gone with her family we spent the day in groups.

A lot of the people here left to feed and the house was mostly empty. Emmett, Rose, Esme, Jasper, Kate and I were the only ones here. They were all in all their little worlds; Emmett and Rose were working on cars, Esme was in the study working on the plans for a new house with her record player on loudly so that we wouldn't bother her, Kate was sitting outside reading one of Carlisle's books and I was upstairs with Jasper.

We've grown closer and I let it happen. I've tried to stop shying away from him, I don't know how this is going to work out but it's going somewhere.

"What are you showing me?" I asked him.

"You like to draw, I've heard." he chuckled.

"I'm going to kill you, Emmett." I said, knowing that the vampire would hear me.

"It slipped, I'm sorry." he replied from the garage.

I heard him invite Kate over to his house, apparently, Rosalie had some new clothes that she wanted to show her cousin. If it had to do with Jasper and I being alone in his room, I have no idea.

"Okay, so what does that have to do with any of this?" I asked Jasper.

"I don't know how much longer you'll be here, or how much longer we have until this is over but I figured you might enjoy a quiet corner to sketch." he said, pointing to the corner of his room.

There was a nice desk set up looking out at the forest. The glass wall gave up a wonderful view and everything I could possibly need was already there. Sketchbooks, loose papers, pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, markers, paints, brushes, everything to please an artist's dream. I looked up at him and I could feel the smile stretching over my face.

Impulsively, I launched myself at him to hug him. My arms wrapped around his neck and his hands automatically moved to my waist. That heat from before seemed to radiate from where his hands were out to the rest of my body.

"You're so beautiful, but when you smile darlin, it's just stunning." he whispered, low enough that only I would hear it.

"Thank you." I replied moving back to look at him.

I felt like I was drowning in his eyes, the golden color dark now since he hasn't fed in a few days. He's tried to stay by my side even though I insist on him going on with his normal feeding routine. Carlisle said he could get me blood and so far I haven't felt the need for it but I will drink some before the big event.

"Elisabetta, I . . ." he pulled a strand of hair behind my ear and I knew what he wanted.

Jasper was nervous but I understood, he's asking for permission. I'm more than a little nervous myself but I want it. My hand moved to cup his neck and tangle in his hair, pulling myself up to my toes in front of him. This moment has been building for some time and now, I'm ready for it.

"Do it." I whispered and that was all that he needed.

Jasper took his sweet time and then his lips brushed mine. Innocently at first then fiery, passionate and demanding. At the same time, it was sweet and possessive, a kiss that said I belonged to him and I didn't want to reject that notion.

It was intense, he traced his tongue across my bottom lip and I gave him what both of us wanted very much. The caress of his lips against mine, his tongue against mine, seemed softer now. Every square inch of my body melted into his. His lips warmer and softer than anything I could have imagined, yet fierce and powerful at the same time.

He pulled away and looked at me, the ghost of his lopsided smirk gracing his face. His right hand caressed my cheek and he kissed my forehead, before resting his chin on the top of my head. I pressed my cheek to his chest and let myself cool down. Jasper wasn't my first kiss, but it was the first kiss that mattered. He was the first important kiss that I've ever had.

I didn't want him to let go of me but soon enough people will start to come back to the house and we'll have to go back downstairs. This is my new favorite place, my new happy place and he knew it. He could feel the happiness radiating off of me and it made him smile.

"What does that mean?" I asked him.

"What do you want it to mean?" he replied, softly cupping my cheek.

"I've never been in a relationship before Jasper. I was . . . involved with Alec for a short time but there was no love lost when I left. Not for me anyway." I said, stepping away from him.

"Alec? Is that why they keep sending him?" he asked, poorly hiding his anger.

"Yes, father thinks it'll persuade me to go back but it does the absolute opposite."

"Do you want to be in a relationship?" he asked.

"I didn't think that I did."

"That's not an answer."

"I do, if it's with you." I replied and his answering smile was enormous.

"We can take it as slow as you want, just know that I don't care who I have to fight but you're not leavin here when this is over."

"I don't want to leave. Non voglio stare lontano da te, I do not want to stay away from you."

"Then don't, we'll figure it out darlin. You're stayin here." he said, wrapping his arms around me again.

"You can't decide that without talking to your family, I couldn't accept."

"They'll be fine with it."

"You'll talk to them first, after all of this mess is finished." I insisted.

"Of course." he replied, smiling as he kissed me again.

We walked downstairs and realized that it was snowing, I was slightly worried but I wasn't sure what I was worried about. Now that this . . . un-war-like war is getting closer, I find myself thinking about what I'm about to do.