"Now," I breathed, "what exactly are you worrying about?"

"Well, um, hitting a tree -" she gulped, "- and dying. And then getting sick."

I remembered both times when she got sick; at school and after running with me. I couldn't help but smile at the memories but quickly smoothed my face. I moved the few extra inches until her warm breath was now in my mouth. I brought my lips to the hollow at the base of her throat. I kissed lightly moving my nose under her jaw lightly.

"Are you still worried now?" I breathed on her skin making her tremble in pleasure.

"Yes." her voice quivered in bliss, "About hitting trees and getting sick."

Apparently I wasn't distracting her enough though I was thoroughly distracted. I was euphoric. I trailed the tip of my nose up her throat and down her jaw line to the tip of her chin.

"And now?" I whispered while breathing in her every breath.

"Trees," she inhaled, "Motion sickness."

I brought my lips to her eyes and kissed her eye lids, "Bella, you don't really think I would hit a tree, do you?"

"No, but I might," her confidence failing extravagantly.

I began my journey to her mouth. I kissed slowly down her cheek letting her skin warm them. I brought my lips to the corner of her mouth. Gently, I let my bottom lip softly brush against hers.

"Would I let a tree hurt you?"

My lips were barely touching her. A curious sensation crawled up my throat. With every touch of our lips electricity shot through my body sending a joyous feeling through my veins. Her bottom lip was trembling in absolute pleasure. I took in several generous gulps of her breath.

"No," she breathed against my lips.

"You see," I said my lips touching hers as I spoke, "There's nothing to be afraid of, is there?"

"No," she sighed and she became limp against the Jeep, giving up.

I pulled her face into my hands a little rougher than usual and brought my lips to hers fiercely. Our lips were moving together and we were both panting heavily at the sensations shooting through our bodies. She brought her arms around my neck bringing me closer to her. We embraced frantically while our bodies were welded together. My hands moved eagerly to her back bringing her closer to my chest while bowing her body against mine. She was quivering with delight as her lips parted slightly and she sighed heavily bringing her breath deep in my lungs. Excitement exploded in the pit of my stomach.

I let go and staggered back several steps, flustered, realizing this was the only sensible course of action. I couldn't believe I let myself get so out of control.

"Damn it, Bella!" I was gasping, "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will."

I watched as she leaned forward placing her hands on her knees and panting.

"You're indestructible," she mumbled while continuing to breathe heavily.

I was so angry at myself for letting it get that far. I monster inside me wanted me to lose control and I couldn't let that happen.

"I might have believed that before I met you. Now let's get out of here before I do something really stupid," I growled.

I pulled Bella onto my back while trying to be as gentle as possible. She secured herself to me by wrapping her legs around my waist and pulling her arms around my neck. The warmth rippled down my body.

"Don't forget to close your eyes," I reminded her.

She lodged her face into my shoulder and it sent a jolt of electricity through me. I could feel her warm breath. I broke into a run and her pulse picked up, her heart beating out large palpitations.

It only took a matter of minutes before we arrived just outside the clearing where my family was already preparing to play ball. Bella did not move as I stood there waiting for her to let go. I was terrified that she had opened her eyes and fallen sick like before. I reached behind me and ran my fingers through her silky hair gently.

"It's over, Bella," I said softly.

She sighed in relief and she was suddenly no longer wrapped around me. I heard a pulpous noise that was followed by, "Oh!"

I turned around swiftly worried she had hurt herself. I did the smallest of double takes before I saw her expression and the tension finally broke between us. Her face was screwed up in embarrassment. I was trying my hardest to hold in laughter but I was unable to. I barked out a laugh. Her expression had twisted into indignation and chagrin. She pushed herself off the ground while brushing dirt and bracken off of her backside. She turned, muttering silently, and marched off in the wrong direction.

A smile was still on my face as I wrapped my arm around her waist. "Where are you going, Bella?"

"To watch a baseball game. You don't seem to be interested in playing anymore, but I'm sure the others will have fun without you," she said bitterly.

"You're going the wrong way," I said coolly.

She turned on her heal with a firm and purposeful tread in the opposite direction. I shook my head back and forth at her and grabbed her around the waist a second time.

"Don't be mad, I couldn't help myself. You should have seen your face," I tried to explain but a chuckle broke through my composure.

She looked at me haughtily. "Oh, you're the only one who's allowed to get mad?" she asked while raising her eyebrows.

I paused for a moment and studied her face. "I wasn't mad at you."

"'Bella, you'll be the death of me'?" she quoted crisply.

"That was simply a statement of fact," I said while still trying to hold in my amusement.

She gave me a look of pure abhorrence and turned to stride away again. In a quick motion I pulled her to my chest. I couldn't take it if she left me now.

"You were mad," she persisted, her face stricken.

"Yes."

"But you just said -" she began.

"That I wasn't mad at you. Can't you see that, Bella?" I asked patiently. "Don't you understand?"

I felt completely exasperated. She was so sweet, loving...fragile; there was nothing she could do to make me upset at her.

She pursed her lips. "See what?" she insisted with a confused expression.

"I'm never angry with you - how could I be? Brave, trusting...warm as you are," I explained.

"Then why?" she asked softly.

I analyzed her face, trying to read her mind once again. I reached the barrier I always did while trying to probe her mind, the silence persisted. She looked just as confused as ever. I sighed and pulled her delicate face in my cold palms. Her cheeks instantly warmed my whole body. I looked her straight in the eyes. "I infuriate myself," I said quietly. "The way I can't seem to keep from putting you in danger. My very existence puts you at risk. Sometimes I truly hate myself. I should be stronger; I should be able to -"