He lifted away and gazed down at her, leaving Bella feeling very vulnerable. His eyes burned with unspoken desire, but his words were uncharacteristically soft. She felt cared for, like she wasn't just a piece of meat for him to enjoy. She nodded slowly, the corner of her lips twitching with a smile that didn't quite touch her eyes.

"It's going to hurt, isn't it?" she asked, brushing her palm down his jaw, "I've heard it does."

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