Chapter 27

EPOV

Halle-fucking-lujah we finally had a normal day. Ever since we had left my parents on Sunday night there seemed to be one stressful moment after another. Today zilch, no tears, nothing or no one came up missing, and no punishments; now hopefully there won’t be any nightmares tonight and the day would be perfect.

I was sort of anticipating Bella having a nightmare, but to look at her it certainly didn’t seem to be looming. She was facing the bottom of the bed lying on her stomach with her feet in the air and her chest propped up on a pillow writing in her journal. The only thing she had on was a sports bra and her new tattoo.

I was stretched out next to her sitting with my back leaning against the headboard watching Sports Center. Actually I was paying more attention to Bella, but really who could blame me for that? Alex had done a fantastic job on that tat. I had originally thought the design would be too large for her petite frame, but I was wrong.

The scrolls swirled around her natural curves, the largest of the three roses situated directly in the small of her back with the two smaller ones on either side of it. Three butterflies fluttered around the scroll work - one by her hip, one on her ass cheek, and the other by the roses. Sitting there watching her I thought about how utterly normal the day was….
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After dropping Bella off at the center this morning, I ran a few errands and returned home in just enough time to let Seth out before she returned. The drive to Aro’s took a little longer than I anticipated, but we arrived right at one o’clock. I left Bella with Jane and headed up the stairs to find Aro sitting behind his desk looking over some paperwork.

This used to be Mason’s room; the light cream colors on the wall conceal the deep blue and orange that once was here. Flordia Gator’s; that was his college of choice and the only thing he regretted not being able to do. I was angry at first when Aro changed this room; I was young and felt like he was attempting to rid all traces of Mason away. Now I can understand the need to move forward, you never forget but you can’t dwell on the past either.

“Good afternoon Edward,” Aro greeted, looking up from the papers. “I had Jane double check all the receipts; Stefan did not pay his account last month. So his statement went out as you had prepared it.” That really had nothing to do with me; I only ran the statements from the computer and prepared them to be mailed. Anything else was between the member and Aro.

“I’m sure if a mistake was made, he will produce proof of payment.” I knew Stefan would have had to pay by check or credit card, so a receipt would be easy enough to supply. Aro leaned back in his chair letting out a heavy sigh.

“Sometimes Edward, I think about taking a long vacation. People can very difficult to deal with.” I couldn’t imagine that his mood was only from one unpaid invoice, there must have been other things on his mind.

“Yes, well, nothing I can do about it,” he said sitting forward. “I did however make an announcement on Club Talk admonishing those who are participating in the spreading of gossip. Reminding them that the forum is not intended for that purpose. Perhaps that will help…,” he grinned. “Or, perhaps it will have the opposite effect and just fuel the notion that Isabella is in some way attached to me.” He shrugged then went on.

“Speaking of Miss Isabella, she is well?”

“She’s fine.” I wasn’t sure what he was getting at.

“And you? Your frame of mind seems better then the last time we talked.” Ohhhh, that’s what he meant.

“Yes, considerably so.”

“Good.” That was all he said on the subject. There was no prying into what happened or what infractions Bella had committed. He was just making sure that the two of us were alright. That was why I admired and respected his opinion so very much. He never gave unwarranted advice, never repeated anything you told him, and as far as I knew he never held a grudge.

The rest of the afternoon progressed and before I realized it was after three, Aro needed to get to the club and Bella had missed her yoga class. I wasn’t going to get overly excited about that, this was more important. On the way home Bella had told me a small amount of what their conversation had entailed. Along with the fact that she doesn’t believe in an all sovereign God, she did however seem interested in the teachings of Chidvilasananda.

We were only home long enough for Bella to shower, change, and give me a blow job. Which was thoroughly unexpected and very enjoyable, she really is very talented at sucking my dick. I had to force myself to not just blow my load in her mouth, and then I felt bad for getting my spunk all over her face. But the total defeat that washed over her was heart wrenching. I wanted to clean her off and hold her in my arms so that there was no doubt in her mind that I loved her.

Bella was quiet from that moment on and I couldn’t help but wonder what was bothering her. It could have been almost anything, but I wanted to make sure she wasn’t having any second thoughts about getting the tattoo. Anything else we would talk about later when she was ready to open up to me, or rather when I forced her to.

“Baby, are you alright?” I asked taking a hold of her hand, “you seem…distant. You don’t have to do this.” I wanted her know it wasn’t too late and she could change her mind.

“Don’t you want me to?”

When the fuck did I say I didn’t want her to? I’m the one that took her there; if I didn’t want her too she wouldn’t be going.

“No.”

Bella’s head snapped in my direction, “you don’t?” There was a panic in her voice.

“No that is not what I mean...I meant it’s up to you, but I don’t want you to feel like it’s carved in stone. You can change your mind.” That seemed to relax her a bit.

“I want to...I’m kind of nervous and excited at the same time, and I was trying to remember something Jane said.” I could understand the excited nervousness and if she was just deep in thought that would explain her quietness, but I wondered.

“What did Jane say?” I was hoping Bella would tell me.

“Can we talk about it later? I am trying to get it straight in my own head.” I didn’t answer because I will admit I was slightly disappointed. But at least she was thinking about sharing whatever it was rather than making me read it, and that was a start.

The rest of the ride was a comfortable silence. When I opened her car door Bella took my hand and instead of stepping into the open space, she slid her body up against mine clasping my face in her palms. Tilting her head, gazing into my eyes, a huge smile formed on her face. “Edward, you’re the best.”

That was all she said before lifting onto her toes to place a kiss on my lips. I had no idea what she meant. My arms wrapped around her back slipping under my button down she was wearing to stroke her bare skin.

“The best what?” I asked moving my face closer to hers.

“Everything,” the word left her mouth like a whisper before I captured her lips with my own. My hands ran down her bottom squeezing through the thin layer of her yoga pants, educing a moan of wantonness.

“I should have spanked you at home. I won’t be able to for days,” I spoke the words quietly next to her ears.

“Mmmm…there’s always the other cheek.”

“Yes, or I could spank your pussy.” My hand moved to the front of her body and ran the length of the seam between her thighs. “You would like that wouldn’t you my pet?”

“Mmmm …yes,” she hissed against my neck. “It’s been days” Bella’s statement made me stop in my tracks.

“What?…What’s been days?” We were just in the playroom last night, granted she didn’t have a release and from the darkness of the ink on her foot she wasn’t going to have one tonight either. But days?

“Since you touched me.”

I was truly mystified, she was serious and I wondered if she forgot about last night?

“Bella we were together last night...”

She cut me off before I could continue. “Yeah, I know. Wednesday, Thursday,” she held up two fingers as she spoke. “That’s two days.”

“But Wednesday to Thursday is twenty-four hours. That’s one day.” I explained as I took her hand and started walking.

“I’m not talking hours Edward, I’m talking days. Two separate days.”

I huffed in sheer bewilderment, “But…”

“No buts Edward, are they two different days or not?” she questioned while I opened the door to the shop.

“Yes they are, but...,”

“But what?”

I was beginning to see her logic and although it was convoluted, I had to agree Wednesday and Thursday were two separate days.

“But nothing baby, I have to agree with you, they are two different days.” Bella beamed then giggled and I knew she was fucking with me, just to see if she could. The glare on my face was amusing her even more.

“Alright my pet, I believe you will be getting that spanking, sooner rather than later.” I assured her with a quick swat to her bottom making her gasp then giggle once again.

Alex came out in the middle of our exchange with an amused look on his face. “You two done or what?”

Bella blushed at his comment biting her lip and nodding. “Then let’s get started.”

He led us back into the private room showing the design once more for a final approval. Bella was pleased and Alex had her remove the shirt and roll the back of her pants down to reveal her butt cheeks before straddling the chair so he could prep her skin.

“Ok Miss Bella, I need you to stand up, arms at your side, and stay as still as possible while I apply the stencil.”

As she complied her eyes met mine and she looked a little nervous, so I figured I would help to calm her down. I took a hold of her hips my thumbs moving smoothly over the skin of her stomach. When Alex was done he had her stand by the full length mirror and giving her a hand held mirror as well so she could see how the placement looked on her body.

“That’s perfect Alex.” Bella announced moving the mirror in her hand and taking one last glance. Alex looked to me waiting for my approval. He didn’t need it, she could do what she liked, it was her body, but I nodded in assent for his reassurance.

“Bella I’m going to have you lay on your stomach, it will be the most comfortable for you.”

Once she was laying with her hands folded under her chin, Alex rolled up a towel for her to use as a pillow. Bella was looking in the opposite direction watching him wash his hands.

“Ummm…Alex how long is it going to take and is it going to hurt?”

“I have you slotted for three hours, it all depends on how many breaks you need. If I can get through the outline, give you a ten minute break then finish the color, we will be done in less time. And fuck yes, it hurts!” Alex told her with a smirk while he snapped on gloves.

“Oh.”

I could see Bella tense up and Alex moved his chair so he was face to face with her. “There are three types of people. Those like Edward,” his eyes met mine for a split second before looking back to her, “who no matter what - ‘there’s no fucking way’ they would do it. Then there are those who grin and bear it cursing the whole way through. And the third type relax, let the discomfort wash over them and go into a euphoric state, where they actually enjoy it. Let’s see what kind you are.”

Bella took a deep breath, nodded in agreement then turned her head to look at me. I smiled at her removing the hair from around her face. The machine made a humming noise and Alex announced he was ready to start. Bella didn’t tense up, she didn’t flinch she didn’t even blink.

Alex made small talk at first asking how the family was, and what I was going to do all summer. When I told him about the bathroom remodel, Bella commented about getting a decent tub and I assured her that was in the plans. With Alex well underway with what he was doing I figured Bella had enough time to adjust to what was happening and I made an observation.

“Not too bad baby?” I asked running my fingers through her hair.

“No, it’s kind of like a tingly pricking.”

Alex spoke up before I could comment, “she’s fine Edward. I knew you were the third kind Bella.”

“How did you know?”

Alex smirked at her question. “I just had that feeling. Now, tell me about this design.”

“What do you mean?” Bella looked to me like I knew what Alex was asking for.

“Every tattoo tells a story about the person who wears it. So tell me what it means to you. The roses, the scrolls, the butterflies, what do they mean to you?”

I could see her brain working as she formulated her answer.

“Well the butterflies…,” she smiled. “When I was little we called our vagina’s butterflies.”

“What?” I had to have clarification on that statement.

Bella’s face was crimson as she explained to me. “Don’t you think it looks like a butterfly? Especially when there’s no hair?” She bit her lip in embarrassment.

“I never thought about it.” I admitted while Alex asked, “so you want vaginas on your body?”

“No!” Bella sounded horror-struck. “It’s a symbol of womanhood; they represent my grandma, my mom and me.”

Well at least that made sense.

“And the roses?” Alex coaxed.

Bella sighed then explained. “Every year on my birthday my grandfather sent me one single yellow rose. They are my favorite flowers.” I didn’t know that, when I sent the roses to her I just thought they were bright and cheerful; Bella continued while that thought came to my mind.

“Grand always said that the rose is so fragile on the outside, but down deep they are very strong. Every fall the whole bush gets cut down to the ground, and it survives the harsh winter only to bloom again in the spring and produce beautiful delicate flowers. When my mother died he told me that’s what I had to do, but I was young and didn’t understand completely. Every year my yellow rose came, and as I got older I understood what he was trying to tell me. That in order to produce something good, you have to be strong enough to survive through the harsh winters.”

Bella grew quiet, and then added, “the roses represent the three phases of life: birth, existence, and death; all three can be harsh.”

The room grew very quiet as we took in Bella’s words. The only sound was the buzz that the needle made, so her happy voice startled me. “Edward sent me yellow roses.” I caught the twinkle in her eye, and then she asked me, “Did you know they were my favorite?”

“I had no clue baby, that was pure coincidence. I just thought you would like them.” I told her placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Do you know that besides grand, you are the only man who ever sent me flowers?”

I smiled at her feeling kind of proud that something so simple could make her happy, but then she remembered, “Oops…that’s a lie. Aro sent me flowers.” When the fuck did he send her flowers? I was going to ask but Alex beat me to it.

“Aro sent you flowers?” He seemed as puzzled as me.

“Yes, when I was in the hospital, well actually they were from him and Jane.”

Oh shit! I wanted to change the subject fast and I was going to ask about the scrolls but Alex uttered the question before I could say anything.

“What were you in the hospital for? Were you sick?”

Bella met my eyes before turning her head to look away; she clearly was ashamed about whatever had happened.

“I was stupid for not shutting my door, and I couldn’t run fast enough.” Bella’s voice was slightly shaky.

I couldn’t see her face but I placed my hand on her, stroking her shoulders with the back of my fingers. I hated that she blamed herself and out the corner of my eye I saw Alex move his head to see her face then he looked to me with concern, figuring I better take control of the situation my voice came out firmly.

“Isabella, what are the scrolls for?” I wanted to bring her back to the here and now, quickly, so I used her submissive name.

It worked, Bella’s head snapped around, her eyes grew bright. “I just like them Sir, they are fun and feminine. Don’t you think?”

“Yes they are, and they look very sexy on you too.” She smirked and I leaned over whispering in her ear, “I love you my beautiful Bella.” I kissed her lips softly and Bella turned her head so her cheek rested against mine; I could feel the tension leave her body.

“You alright now baby?” I whispered against her face, Bella sighed lightly nodding her head. When I sat up I kept the skin to skin contact by stroking her face. She was so calm I thought she was sleeping. Alex caught my eye and nodded. As I looked at the work he was doing I was surprised to see that the outline was almost complete.

“Edward, do you think Esme would like it if you got a tattoo?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know love, I never thought about it. I am a grown man, she couldn’t say too much.”

“Hmmm…Charlie isn’t going to like it.”

“Charlie?” Alex questioned.

“Bella’s father,” I informed before he got the wrong idea.

“Yeah, he’s going to think I joined some outlaw biker gang,” Bella laughed. “He would freak if he knew what I really joined.” That statement made her laugh harder.

Alex smirked at me.

“I think Miss Bella’s endorphins are in full kilt now, she’s getting silly. If you have any questions you want to ask her Edward, now’s the time.”

I chuckled while Bella exclaimed, “That’s not fair!”

“All is fair is love and war darling,” Her grin at my comment made me chuckle.

It wasn’t much later Alex was finished with the outline and Bella got up to stretch and use the bathroom. She started walking toward the door and I figured I’d better remind her of something.

“Ah Bella, I really don’t mind your ass hanging out in here, but you might want to put your shirt on, just in case someone else is out there.”

She gasped blushing and taking the shirt from me. Alex told her where she could find the bathroom and got me a bottle of water.

“Someone attack her?” He didn’t ask to be prying, I could tell by his expression it was out of concern.

“Yes, her ex-husband.” Alex didn’t answer. He just nodded once then went on to explain that he figured Bella would be fine with the pain, and that when he did the coloring she would more than likely go into a sub-space like trance.

A buzzer sounded from out in the main room and he excused himself to go see who came in the shop. With the door open I could hear the voices, the person who had just come in sounded familiar and Bella was talking to whoever it was. Felix was standing by her just making small talk, when I approached he stopped and shook my hand in greeting. I glanced over to see Alex by the front door he was on the phone, paging through his appointment book.

“You getting a tat Edward?” Felix asked like he already knew the answer, but frankly it was none of his business so I didn’t respond instead I asked him. “What brings you down here?”

“I need some touch up’s done, and I thought maybe if Alex wasn’t busy he could squeeze me in, but he said it would be at least an hour…,” His eyes glanced down to Bella while he talked, probably looking for the art work, “…so he is just going to set me up with an appointment, but he got a phone call and then Isabella came out, so we were just chatting while I waited.”

Alex finished his call and as we said good-bye Felix asked if he would see us this weekend, I told him I wasn’t sure if I would make it or not. Bella remained quiet throughout our exchange and once Felix walked away I escorted her back into the room.

“Edward, don’t you like Felix?”

“It isn’t that I don’t like him Bella, he’s just a little nosy and I told you, our relationship is nobody’s business.”

Alex was back so Bella didn’t get to comment, or maybe she didn’t have a comment either way she was back on the chair. Once the colors were picked out, Alex got to work on filling in the design. He was right about Bella; she closed her eyes relaxed into the chair and actually started letting out soft moans of contentment.

It was strange watching her get pleasure from someone else, and if I didn’t know any better I would swear she was on the verge of an orgasm. Her face was flushed, her breathing heavy, and the only thing that was missing was that little ‘v’ in her forehead.

I whispered in her ear, “don’t you fucking cum!”

Bella’s eyes flew open and she glared at me before a grin took over her face. “I won’t, don’t be silly Edward. It feels really good though, like tiny little fingers massaging one area.”

Alex snickered shaking his head.

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“Edward, Edddwwwarrrddd….” Bella’s voice and giggle broke through my thoughts.

“What?”

She laughed, leaning on her elbow and turning her head to look at me.

“I was talking to you, but you were off somewhere in la la land. What were you thinking about?”

“I was thinking about you almost cuming while Alex was working on you,” I snickered at her gasp.

“I was not going to orgasm, I was really relaxed though.”

My eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Bella two more minutes and you would have been panting and I would have had to punish you for being naughty.”
She rolled completely on her side and glared at me. “I’m not naughty.” She announced with conviction, and then continued, “Jane says that someone is naughty when they do things purposely. Jane say’s I’m just inattentive.” I grinned, moving down the bed to lay facing her.

“Oh yeah, and tell me my little inattentive pet, what else does Jane saz?” I asked tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Well,” Bella sighed pursing her lips as she thought, “she said that I needed to monitor myself and that I should do it several times throughout the day. Basically saying that because I knew that I was doing what you expect, I would be more confident.” She was right; it would make her more confident, I listened while Bella went on explaining.

“She also said that had I been paying attention, my eating wouldn’t have gotten so dire and if I would have confessed the first day, you probably wouldn’t have punished me at all.” I thought about that and was going to comment when Bella added, “or at least not as harshly.”

“Definitely not as harsh, and sometimes circumstances occur that will cause you to have an off day. Like not making your yoga, I can understand that. Shit happens. But when it becomes a daily thing or completely out of hand, then I have to step in. And I prefer not to do that.”

Bella nodded in agreement, “Yes, you were being obedient to me.”

What? I was completely floored by that statement. “Bella, you’re going to have to explain that to me.”

She tilted her head then sat up, putting her right foot up for me to see. I sighed, because I really hated the idea of what had to be done.

“You don’t like it either do you?” I shook my head because I didn’t like it at all. “So why did you do it?” She asked with compete sincerity.

“I told you this last night, I had to because you needed the correction.” Bella gave me a knowing grin.

“You were being obedient to me.” I thought about her words. “Isn’t that what obedience is, doing something for someone else’s benefit? It’s not always something you don’t enjoy. But what other reason would you have for doing something that you don’t take pleasure from? ”

“I guess your right baby, I was being obedient.” Bella had a way of looking at things from such a simple perspective.

“Jane also said that we are like a see-saw.” I looked at her questionably as she laid back down on her side.

“What?”

“Actually, the see-saw was my analogy. She said that whatever I give to you, you give back. So I shouldn’t feel bad about depending on you.”

“Why would you feel bad about that?” She looked away from me and I cupped her chin, but she still didn’t meet my eyes. “Bella?”

“It scares the hell out me Edward!” Her admission had me bewildered and she must have noticed. “Don’t you see? I never had anyone who I could depend on for any length of time. One way or another they always left me, so I find myself wondering how long before you do the same thing?”

“I’m not going anywhere baby. I don’t think I could if I wanted to; I find myself so totally drawn to you that I believe it would cause me physical pain to be away from you.” That admission caused me to be worried that she might think I was obsessed with her in an unhealthy way.

“Some things are even out of your control.” What did she mean by that? I didn’t get to ask because Bella kept talking, “And we talked about Mason.”

Bella was biting her bottom lip and I was certain she had something on her mind to talk to me about. I gave her a few seconds and was just going to ask when she responded. “Jane said that you and Mason were very close.” I nodded because that was no secret.

“I was just wondering if he was the reason you went to medical school, and if he was, why you didn’t finish?”

I thought about her questions rolling onto my back with a heavy sigh.

“Was he the reason? No…yes...partly. Ever since I could remember, I had wanted to be a doctor. That might have something to do with Mason being sick when he was younger, or maybe it was me just admiring my father.” Bella sat up wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her chin on her knees watching me.

“I did finish medical school. I just didn’t do residency, and I have no desire to do it now. I can’t see putting in all that time for something I deem inconsequential.”

“Edward, how can you say it’s unimportant?”

I looked in her eyes trying to figure out where this line of questioning was coming from.

“I can say it Bella, because it’s true. Mason had the best doctors and specialists and it didn’t fucking matter.” I realized I was raising my voice and worked on calming myself.

“Are you mad at him?”

My eyes shot to hers.

“No, why would I be mad? It’s not his fault; he didn’t do anything or ask to get sick. Fucking sixteen year old boys are not supposed to die, Bella. They are supposed to play football, skip school, and get a bad fucking blow job in the back of their parent’s car. Not lay bald in a hospital bed with tubes sticking out all over them, while some asshole team of doctors stand there giving false hope just so they can try new procedures out on him.”

“Then you’re mad at the doctors?”

I closed my eyes. “I’m disillusioned with the whole medical establishment. It’s not about helping people; it’s about money, and prestige, and how much of both you can get. I don’t want anything to do with it.”

“I was angry with my mother; I blamed her death for all the mistakes I made in my life. It’s a normal response to grief, five stages and all that. But I always thought if she would have loved me more than she loved Phil, she would have stayed home with me rather than go on that trip with him.”

“Baby, she didn’t want to die…,”

Bella spoke before I could finish. “I know that Edward, it’s just that ever since I was eight years old, I always felt second best. My mother chose Phil, Charlie chose fishing, my grandparents chose my mother’s memory, and James…oh man, I can’t even tell you how far down on his list I was. The point is that I don’t feel that way when I’m with you.”

I looked in her eyes they were pleading with me to understand.

“And that scares you.” I stated simply.

“Petrifies me.”

“Because you think I’m going to leave you?”

Bella shook her head. “No, I think you are going to be taken away from me by someone or something more important.”A sad smile played on her lips

“That sound’s really selfish of me doesn’t it?” I sat up pulling her into my lap

“No baby, not selfish”

If there was one thing Bella was not it was selfish. She was however insecure about so many aspects of her life. I held her as close to me as possible, she needed to know how important she was to me.

“Baby I can’t promise you that things are going to be moon light and roses or perfect all the time. But I can promise you that nothing will ever be more important to me then you are. You are in my life – no, fuck that shit...you are my life, and there is nothing I can say to make you believe that, the only thing I can give you is time. However long it takes to prove that everyone and everything else in this world pales in comparison to you in my heart.” I tucked her head under my chin stroking the length of her hair.

“It might take a lifetime Edward.”

I smiled kissing the top of her head.

“I’ll give you a lifetime, my lifetime Bella.”

I’d give her a million lifetimes if it made her feel more secure. I knew the fear that was eating at her, the unknown and the unexpected. There was nothing I could do about the curve balls that get thrown our way, but I could show her that no matter what, I would be there in whatever capacity she needed me to be in. My hand trailed down to the end of her hair coming in contact with the remnants of ointment on her back making her flinch.

“How’s your back, does it hurt?”

“No, it just feels…tight.”

Alex had said to keep A&D ointment on it for the first two days, so I had Bella lay on her stomach so I could apply some more. When I was done she put on her robe and we went downstairs, she ate some cheese and bagel chips while Seth went out one last time.

Bella had wanted to take the dog back to her house, but I preferred that he was here. I had an uneasy feeling that something was amiss. I couldn’t say any one thing stuck out, it was more of several little things that made me apprehensive. That collar incident still had me baffled, whether it was the dog himself or neighborhood kids, I didn’t like it. I just wasn’t sure how to get her to leave him here or herself for that matter. That thought did remind me of something.

“You know that see-saw thing you were talking about?” I asked her sitting down at the table with a glass of milk and an apple.

“Yes, what about it?” She sliced off some cheese and was eyeing my apple.

“Whatever I get, I’m supposed to give back. You said that’s how it works?”

“Yes?” Her voice sounded unsure. “Edward, can I have a hunk of that apple?”

I took the knife slicing off a small section and handing it to her.

“Thanks.”

Amused, I watched her slice the piece into half a dozen smaller ones then sandwiching them between a chip and cheese.

“Well then here, I have these for you.” Bella took the set of keys I had made her, eyeing me skeptically. “I have access to your house, now you have access to mine.”

“You are giving me keys to your house?” She asked before popping one of those things she made into her mouth.

“Yes, I am. You might need to get in some time when I’m not around.” Her face fell, like I had pained her. I thought about what I said and then added, “you know, in case I’m busy or at work or whatever.”

Bella’s face broke into a huge grin, “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. One more thing, I really enjoyed taking Seth on my run yesterday. Do you think it would be alright if I did it on a regular basis?”

“Sure, he would probably like that.” Just then there was a scratch at the back door. Bella finished her snack and cleaned up while I let Seth in and checked the doors before we went up to bed. I found I enjoyed these little scenes of domestic life. Simple things like working together in the kitchen took on a whole new meaning.

Bella wore one of my older t-shirts to bed, so that the ointment wouldn’t get on the sheets. She snuggled into my arms resting her head on my chest.

“Edward do you know what I found the most interesting today?”

“What?”

“Jane kept telling me that I had to pay attention to what I was doing and use self discipline. When Aro came to say they had to leave, he gave her five minutes to finish up. She set a timer, but she set it for half a minute less so that she was in the other room exactly on time. I thought that was ingenious. I don’t know if I would have thought of that.”

“She’s had over twenty years to perfect her skills Bella, don’t compare yourself. Besides, she was more than likely punished for being late and came up with that so it wouldn’t happen again.” I didn’t want her to think that she was in any way inferior.

“I know, but I don’t know if in twenty years I would have thought of that. Oh, and she also said that had she turned off her phone without telling Aro that she did, she said that she wouldn’t be able to sit down for a long time.”

I bet she wouldn’t.

I listened to Bella keep talking, “Do most submissive’s get spanked as a punishment? Because wouldn’t they like that?”

I chuckled, “I assume that the majority gets spanked and no, a punishment spanking is not enjoyable. The instrument used is harsh, the strikes are forceful, and the marks remain for days.”

“Is it violent?”

I thought about her question before answering, “No, it is controlled and ritualistic like everything else in our lifestyle and if the submissive is unable to handle it, they safe word.”

Bella pushed herself up so she could look in my face. “You can safeword a punishment?”

“Absolutely, you can and should safe word whenever you need to.” I thought I had made that clear before.

“Edward if they can safeword, why don’t they?” How could I explain this? Perhaps this is something that might be better explained from a submissive’s point of view.

“You know what Bella; I don’t really have the answer for that. I know why I think they don’t, but I believe that might be a better question for Jane. If you don’t mind I am going to let her answer that one? Now, how about we go to sleep?” She snuggled back into her spot in my arms letting out a small yawn.

The room was dark and quiet; Bella’s breathing was deep and even. I wasn’t exactly sure what woke me, but looking at the clock I saw it was too early to get up. Seth was over by the window with his paws on the glass looking outside. I smacked my lips together calling him back over to his own bed. Bella stirred slightly in my arms.

“Edward. Don’t leave me. Please…I love you, don’t leave me…,” I held her tighter to my body kissing her forehead and whispered, “I’m not going anywhere baby; not without you.” Before I drifted back to sleep.