One day I made the mistake of telling Edward about John and Ella's betrayal. He was set on finding them and punish them. I also wanted to give them a piece of my mind, but Edward told me to stay home. He promised me he would bring them back and let me punish them. So he was gone for a month. I got very bored and sad and lonely, the days passed by it seemed like time had stopped and the same day was repeating over and over, since it didn't look like the month was actually passing.

I missed him. I had never spent so much time with anyone since my sword lessons with Derek back home. Home... Home? What was my home? What was I going to do about my father? I probably forgave him, but I wasn't sure I could look at him the same way I did before.

The only good thing about that month was Edward's letters. He told me not to answer because he was travelling and sent the letters from different places. I would answer when he came home. He told me about how everything went and that he was always remembering our time together. He said he looked forward to make up for all the kisses he missed during that month. I blushed everytime I read that. Not only did he say it more than once, I also read it several times. I used to read his letters over and over again until I received a new one.

Finally, one day I received a letter saying he was coming back home. He had found them. The letter arrived a few days after he sent it, so he was probably arriving soon. Eight months had passed since my last birthday. I looked at the window the entire day, but there was no sign of him. I fell asleep there. The next morning, I heard some noise outside and saw it was them. I ran outside and jumped in his open arms, ready to receive me. I has so happy he was finally home. We hugged for more than two minutes.

- Did you miss me?- Edward asked.

I hid my face in his embrace. I was blushing. I didn't want to admit it.

- Well... Maybe a bit.

He chuckled and held me tighter. Then, he took my face between his hands and leaned to kiss me. I closed my eyes and enjoyed it.

- Mmm...

Edward looked at me, surprised. I covered my mouth, turning red. Did that sound just come from me?

- You really like it, don't you?- he said with a smirk.

- What are you talking about?- I got away from him and looked around-. By the way, where are they?

- Right, just change the subject... They are inside- he pointed at a carriage.

I went to look and they came out, tied up. I looked at John and Ella. They had the mark of a slap on their cheek.

- Have one from me as well.

I slapped them on the other cheek.

- Now I forgive you.

- We deserved it- John said-. I'm sorry for what happened, Miss.

- Would you do it again?- I asked.

They said nothing. They looked at each other and sighed.

- I wouldn't put you in danger if I wasn't sure nothing would happen to you.

- You can't know that. You just sold me and put Edward's life at risk. And you don't even regret it! I can't even see you again.

- I will take care of that, Jasy- Edward said-. Is there anything else you want?

- No, we'll talk later about this. Just lock them up for now.

Edward went to put them in an underground cellar and came to the garden to talk to me. He told me about his journey and brought me a gift.

- This is such a beautiful hat, thank you- I kissed his cheek.

- Did you get my letters?

- Yes, I did. I read them all several times.

- Then I did well in writing to you all this time, you greeted me much better than when I was gone for a year.

- I had time to forget about you several times in a year.

- I will never leave you alone for so long again. I don't want you to forget about me- he brought me closer to him-. So, what shall we do with them?

- They have been really naughty, they don't know what being kidnapped is like. Maybe we could sell them to some pirates...

- No, Jasy, you should't...

- Too harsh?

- Too soft. They could bring us trouble later if we let them out of our sight. Listen, I have a plan already...

I was curious about what it was. When I heard it, I jumped back.

- Are you crazy??

- That or I take them to a real trial and let's see how they end up.

I couldn't say anything. It looked like I couldn't argue about it. I didn't like the idea though.

- So, are you going to cooperate?- he asked.

- Yes, sir. I'll do what you say- I put my hand on my forehead like a soldier.

Edward laughed and carressed my head.

- Good girl.

- So when do we start?- I asked.

- Don't rush, there is something else I have to do first. Come with me.

He took me to his room and told me to go in first. I stopped in the center of the room and felt him behind me. He held my hands and whispered in my ear:

- Remember when I told you in my letters I wanted to make up for the kisses I missed?

- You said I was free from the deal while you were away...

- So you prefer I do it?

- Well...

- So I'll give you one chance to beat me at cards. If you win, I'll do it, but if you lose, you do.

I blushed. Those were quite a lot of kisses. I was embarrassed enough about it, if I had to take the initiative it would make things even worse. But trying to win would make it seem like I wanted him to kiss me. He let go of my hands and sat on the carpet. I sat in front of him and we started playing. I had one card left. I won. Edward put the cards aside and pushed me down gently.

- You should lay down, it's going to take a while.

His kisses were long, after a while I lost count and just waited for him to stop. He was a really good kisser, but I was nervous in that position with him.

- Are you sure we didn't reach 31?- I asked.

- I lost count, I thought you counted.

- No, I thought you did.

- Then let's start over.

- What? Why would...- I couldn't keep talking because he made sure my lips were busy.

It would not end soon, that was for sure. I moved a bit, the carpet wasn't soft enough. Edward realised it and took a break just to take me to bed and continue there.

- And I suppose after 31 that you make up for there are another 100 for the ones you just feel like giving?

- I told you they were a minimum, didn't I?- he winked at me-. Why don't you stop counting and just enjoy it and go with the flow?

Actually, I did, but I couldn't let him know that.

- I guess I'll just bear this sweet torture- I smiled.

- If that's how you want to call it- Edward gave me a smirk and kissed me.

That day he didn't stop there. And I did nothing about it. I just let him kiss me and carress me wherever he wanted to. I trusted him and he respected me. He was serious about marriage. And he would wait. So I had nothing to worry about as long as I kept my word in the deal.

- Maybe just stick to kissing my lips next time?- I asked.

- You know you like it, but you just won't admit it- he kissed my neck again and it gave me butterflies in the stomach.

I said nothing and looked in another direction. I tried not to blush or smile, but failed. Edward sat on the bed and helped me get up too. He held me in his arms.

- We are getting married in a few months, my dear Miss. You don't need to hide your feelings.

- What feelings?- I asked, trying to avoid looking at him.

- I will make you fall for me sooner or later, you'll see.

"You already have... some time ago", I thought to myself.

- What about your feelings?- I asked.

- Well... It's a process... I guess I have payed too much attention on getting you to love me and forgot about myself.

- I guess I should be the one to make you feel something just like you do with me... You can't make yourself fall in love- I mumbled, a bit disappointed. I had thought he loved me, but maybe he was just attracted to me or he cared about me or he was trying to be a good fioncé. Love was much more than that.

- You think you can make me feel something for you beyond attraction?- he seemed interested-. I'd like to see you try.

- Okay, but I'm sure I can make you love me before you can make me love you.

It wasn't even true, I was already feeling a lot for him, but I would never admit it to him. It wasn't love yet, since I still wanted to wait for Derek and call off the wedding. But I liked to be around him and felt lonely without him.

- I accept the challenge. If you win, you decide whether to marry me or not. If I win, I decide. Deal?

We shook hands and the deal was closed. I couldn't step away from such an offer. It was a big risk for the both of us, but that was what made things interesting.