Chapter 103

BPOV

Pulling into the parking lot across the street from New Moon my apprehension about bringing Quil and Claire was still rather high. After the dishes were cleaned we gave Seth the codes for both the door and the security system, telling my brother he was to be home no later then one. Once the kids had left with me telling them to be safe, the four of us sat back down at the table finishing a glass of wine and waiting to hear Edward's conditions.

Leaning back in his chair Edward took my hand in his before starting with a question “The first thing I need to know is why you want to go to the club. Is it just morbid curiosity? Because if that is the case you might be disappointed; as Seth said...” a smile forming on his face “...the main floor is truly the same as any other night club, except with a D/s undertone. You might see a submissive standing in the corner ...” grinning as his eyes shifted to me “...maybe a few kneeling or waiting on their Dom but that's about all. If your curiosity is more of a personal nature and you really want to get a first hand look at how a Dom interacts with their submissive then that's a different story. So which is it, shock value or exploration?”

They sat there looking at each other for what seemed like a long time while I held onto Edward's hand wondering what he was getting at. I must have been slow that night because I couldn’t for the life me figure out what he meant by 'exploration'. Morbid curiosity I understood, heck even Leah was nosy enough to want to see the playroom but exploration?

Was Edward suggesting they were interested in adding a D/s component to their relationship?

Quil met Edward’s gaze and nearly knocked me over when he said “A little bit of both. We'd like to see something...real. Part of that is out of out of curiosity to see how it works and to see if it's something we want to pursue.”

Woo

I hadn't seen that coming and even though I was sitting there with my mouth opened in stunned silence, Edward didn't seemed fazed at all “And that would be because the two of you have already been...adventurous?”

“You could say that”

Glancing at Claire I kind of expected to see some sort of embarrassment or at the very least a bit of uncomfortableness at the conversation yet she wasn't either. Instead she was staring at me, no not at me, at my neck with a kind of longing.

“We've experimented...”

They experimented?

I don’t know why Quil's words shocked me, after all I would venture to guess that just about every couple has played around with toys or tied each other up.

“....we found a few things we really like and some we don't. So we thought maybe it was time to learn a few new tricks with the possibility of taking it further”

Quil went on to say they had read plenty of books, played around with spankings, clamps and simple restraints yet they both felt there was something missing. He believes that it is the interaction of a master to his submissive that they are looking for.

“Claire has a very challenging job which causes her to be restless with all the pressure and responsibilities placed on her, she feels...”

Looking to the woman sitting across the table, a person I have known nearly all my life, I thought of the girl who I played flashlight tag with. The young teen who spent the summers and long holidays away from her parents on the Makah reservation. Staying with her grandparents at La Push so she could be with Quil. The budding love they shared both emotionally as well as physically and the horrible pain she experienced at his betrayal.

Claire was devastated beyond belief the summer after graduation when she learned that after four years of being together, he had been cheating on her. At eighteen, Claire had he whole future planned around being with Quil, even to the point of giving up her dream of attending UCLA because Quil had received a scholarship. They were the perfect couple with what appeared to be a story book future, college, careers, marriage and eventually children. Everything on track with their Tulips all in a row and blooming brightly; until Quil dropped a load of manure on her.

Quil made no excuses or gave any firm reason why he started seeing another girl, worse was the declaration that he was still in love with Claire but he couldn't be with her anymore. My friend who had always been a warm happy person retreated in on herself and for nearly six months barely existed. The sadness was too overwhelming that she lost her appetite, did nothing but sleep and stayed away from La Push the whole summer until Quil left for school.

She had withdrawn from the college she had planned to attend with Quil, enrolled in PACC with me and stayed with her grandparents at La Push. She locked herself away, only coming out of the house for classes or the few hours she worked at the gift shop. There was no joy in anything she did and it seemed like she was always on the verge of tears. By the end of first semester Claire told me she just couldn't take being on the reservation, being constantly reminded of all the memories. So she applied as a late arriving freshmen, transferred to UCLA on probationary basis, packed her stuff and moved to Los Angeles.

It was the best thing for her, she started living again and when she came home for summer vacation she was almost her old self. Of course by that time I was chin deep in my own misery so I stayed away from everyone, only seeing her on occasions. Still I was happy for her, then after they graduated from college they seemed to at least be able to talk to each other. A year later they were both working on their Master's degree from UW and related to each other like 'old friends'. Another six months had them dating again, then on Claire's twenty-fifth birthday in front of everyone Quil got down on one knee.

I was at that time avoiding anything that had to do with home so I wasn't in attendance. However I did see the pictures of Claire's tear filled eyes and Quil looking up at the girl like she was his reason for living. They had both come a long way to reach that point and they deserved to find their piece of happiness.

Did that piece include a little kink?

And if it did, how much?

That answer came as Quil finished his sentence “...Claire needs to have an outlet. To let go of all the harsh responsibilities that her job requires...so she can just...be, if that makes any sense”

It made perfect sense.

I thought while Edward voiced the exact same words then glanced at Claire “So this was your idea?”

“Not really, well...maybe, I don't know if it was really either one of us making the suggestion. It just sort of happened.”

Claire didn't seem to have a definitive answer and I didn't know if that was because she was uncomfortable talking about it to Edward or she honestly didn't know. Quil quickly took over the conversation.

“We've been talking about it for a long time, ever since...” he glanced to me “...Claire read Bella's book”

“What? My Book?”

I was astonished while Edward just kind of grunted out a chuckle while shaking his head “I’ve read that book”

“You have?” my head snapping in his direction.

“Yes..well, not the actual finished copy, just the rough draft you had given to Aro for his approval.”

I couldn't believe my ears and unable to look away I wanted Edward to give me his opinion “It was a few years ago but I remember it being a very in depth look into the submissive's psyche. Your research must have been very intensive because you had a clear conception of a lifestyle you had no real knowledge of. I clearly remember one of the earlier chapters that detailed the traits of the submissive as being insightful.”

“Yeah” Claire cut in “... that was the one I found fascinating and rather self-describing.”

“So then it was your idea Claire?”

“No” my friend shaking her head at Edward's question “I left it out and Quil picked it up out of curiosity he started reading it...”

“I wanted to see what you wrote Bella” Quil Clarified and Claire continued.

“He started reading that chapter to me, and then we got to a later chapter 'An Unfullfilled Life'. The way you described a submissive's need to relinquish control, equating it to a persons need for food or water. How it is almost fundamental to their well being and when that need is not met the submissive goes through stages of grief. Some will just resolve to settle without it, others will search for it by going from one relationship to another.”

Claire squared her shoulders and took a deep breath before admitting “I know what that's like”

I had heard through the grape vine that while Claire was in Los Angeles she had been rather promiscuous. Dating several different men, going to parties, branching out at dance clubs, I thought it was just normal college stuff. Or her way of getting over the grief of a breakup that shattered her life, it seems maybe it was also self discovery.

“We've talked about this...” Quil said taking her hand “...a lot. We've done all the practical research...”

Chuckling to myself at the image of the two scientist tackling a possible D/s relationship, I could see them utilizing the scientific method of checks and balances before coming to their conclusion.

“We've read just about every instructional book we could, even some silly non-fiction erotica, we've checked out web sights and talked about signing a contact on our wedding day. We had all the bases covered yet I was still unsure, because reading something and living something is two completely different things and then...”

“And then what?” Edward wondered when Quil abruptly stopped talking and I noticed Claire’s eyes were once again focused on my neck.

“Then...” Claire said shyly “...you two came to La Push. Bella just seemed so...alive” her eyes shifted to mine “I've never seen you so happy. I thought it was just...new love. But I watched you and then well...Emily...”

Taking a deep breath I knew what she was going to say, Emily is only four years older then us but she was also Claire's aunt. The two of them grew up more like sisters so of course Emily would confide in her the contents of my argument with Leah which she had overheard.

“...she told me about where you met Edward, the lifestyle you share and might have mentioned something about having a playroom which Leah called a 'torture chamber'. And I really wanted to talk to you about it when you were home but there was never a good time. So then we thought...”

I finished for her “That's why you asked to stay with us?”

“Yeah...besides the fact I really do miss you. I just wanted to see for myself if it was true and then maybe...”

“You want to see the playroom?” Edward stiffened at my question.

“No...” Claire shook her head then stopped letting Quil finish “...we're perfectly happy with the spice in our bedroom, we're not interested in a whole lot of kink...”

I was still kind of lost because to me the kink was a big part of our D/s life. I looked forward to being restrained while Edward worked me over with a crop. The biting sting sending me into new heights of ecstasy, however it didn't sound like that was the case with Quil and Claire.

My face must have been expressing some kind of discontent because Claire gave me a meaningful look before saying quietly “You think I'm insane”

Taken aback I wondered “Why would I think that?”

“Because here I am a highly educated woman with a Masters degree in Civil Engineering and I want my future husband to treat me like some kind of Stepford Wife who has no more intelligence then to answer 'yes Sir, no Sir, whatever you say Sir”

That was a bleak view of a lifestyle that encompassed so much more then just being docile. “You shouldn't put yourself down, you are a highly educated woman who has taken the time to make what I can only assume has been a very well thought out life choice."

She still didn't seem satisfied with my response and I could sympathize with her as at one time I felt the same way. Claire seemed to put so much emphasis on her education that I thought maybe if she could look at it in a different circumstance she might see what I was getting at.

" Would you think yourself crazy if you choose to put your degrees on a shelve so you could stay home with your children for a few years?”

“No...but that's different”

“Is it? Because I’d be willing to bet there would be some people who would find that decision to be the most asinine thing you could do. I mean really, what's the use of being highly educated if all your going to do is change diapers and bake cookies.”

The look I was getting told me Claire hadn't made the connection so I went on “Your education is always going to be there. Staying home with your babies isn't going to change that or diminish it's importance. You'll still be the girl who made UCLA's Deans List, who graduated with honors in the top five percent of her class. The girl who the state of Washington recruited and then paid for that Master's degree you put so much stock in. You'll always be 'that' girl, any life choice you make doesn't negate all your achievements. So I don't see how treating your husband with respectful admiration or showing your love for him by your submission would make a difference. It's your life, it's your choice, it's your marriage and it's no one's business but the two of you. Besides it's not like your going to go shouting from the roof tops or taking out a full page ad in the paper. This is something you do the privacy of your home, no one is going to find out”

“I found out about you”

Edward quickly spoke up “That's because Emily unknowingly broke cardinal rule number one; to never repeat anything you've seen or heard, what happens within the lifestyle stays within the lifestyle. That is my first condition. The people at New Moon pay their yearly membership with the expectation of privacy and that requires discretion on all our parts.”

The rest of Edward's conditions were fairly simple and straight forward. He had warned them that no matter what is occurring, they need to remember everything is consensual and under no circumstances are they to interfere.

Explaining by saying "One persons idea of too much might be another persons brand of kink.” then addressed me “Am I right Isabella?"

I thrilled to the name as a shiver went down my spine and a warm feeling filled my belly. We had already decided there would be no open D/s time during the weekend, however his use of my full name gave me a bit of hope.

Maybe master was going to come out to play after all
Answering with a quiet 'yes Sir' Edward told them if something made them uncomfortable they should walk away and retreat back to our table. Quil seemed satisfied with that arrangement, Claire on the other hand still held a bit of apprehension on her face.

Wanting to ease some of her worry I assured her “It's not so bad”

“Isabella” there was a purpose behind his tone.

Oh yeah, Master was in the building

Remaining quiet my eyes met his dark intense stare

“Are you forgetting your first visit to New Moon?”

I remembered very well the shock of being surrounded by mostly nude people engaging in things I had only read about. It had been so overwhelming Edward had to take me aside until I calmed down enough before we could continue with our night.

“No Sir”

“Good, then I suggest you remain quiet”

My eyes automatically dropping to the table at the reproof, which I understood yet still didn't exactly enjoy. I could feel eyes on me but didn't dare look up to see who's they were, instead sitting obediently still while Master gave the final condition.

"As a guest you are not allowed to gain access to the second floor demonstration area without being accompanied by a member. So we will only go up there if and when I say. Is that agreeable?"

I could only assume Edward was addressing Quil since he was the one who answered. Not chancing a glance at Claire I figured it best she remained quiet. After all if she really was contemplating a D/s lifestyle, she had better get use to Quil making the decisions.

Edward had picked out my clothing for the evening, while dressing in the pair of black jeans and white halter top with overlaid black lace he brought up what I already knew. “It seems like our plans have changed. Your friends want to get a good look at our relationship, so if you are in agreement I purpose we accommodate them.”

He wasn't suggesting anything more then our usual, and it was clear they were interested in our alternative life. I just wasn't sure being so open in front of my childhood friends was an appropriate way of showing them. There were too many unknowns and I had no way of knowing what their reaction to my submission would be.

As I saw it there were three possibilities, their reaction could be totally accepting to the point where they use us as an example to gain ideas for their own relationship. They could also see what occurs between Edward and I as something they wouldn't want to engage in yet still be tolerant of our choice. And the last possibility was the worse case scenario that caused me the most regret, I worried Claire and Quil would find my level of unconditional surrender to Master as something disgusting. My greatest fear was if they came to that conclusion, it could thoroughly sever our friendship.

I had voiced that concern to Master while we dressed, he too was uncertain of the outcome, however Master was going by the fact that they came to us. They had sought to spend the weekend in our home with the express purpose of - as Quil put it - 'to see something real'.

It was with that thought in mind that I agreed to a full mode with all the rules and protocols that came along with it.

There was a kind of nervous excitement coming from the back seat of the car and the casual conversation took on a more direct focus as we got closer to the downtown area. Turning off the car Edward assured them – and me – they were guest, no one would be expecting anything out of them so all they had to do was relax and have fun.

It was barely after nine so New Moon was just getting started for the evening, Edward signed us all in and upon entering. the main room was filled with music. He said hello to a few people as we made our way through the bar area only stopping when we reached the end to speak with Riley who seemed rather surprised we were there.

“Edward, I didn't expect to see you this weekend”

“Isabella's brother had plans so there was no reason to stay home, These are our friends...” while Edward did the standard introductions my eyes went to the man sitting two stools down wearing a light yellow shirt and a purple bow tie who was frantically waving at me.

Smiling back I only wiggled my fingers in hello and his uplifted expression turned to a full toothy grin as he gave me a big double thumbs up. Knowing exactly what he meant I ever so slightly shook my head 'no'...I did not win the bet'.

His face morphed from shock to disbelief before dramatically mouthing 'What Happened'

Seeing that Master was still making small talk I chanced giving him a shrug because there was no handle signal, gesture or action that meant 'my man is a GOD.'

Not wanting to accept my blasé answer he narrowed his eyes then stuck out just the tiniest tip of his tongue and wiggled a stiff finger in front of his lips; asking if I tickled the slit.

Making sure no one was paying attention I gently nodded my head which only brought about a new expression of shock from him. Cocking his head to the side he made a tight fist with one extended bent knuckle sticking up and kind of shook it.

Rolling my eyes I again nodded 'yes' of course I did the prostate massage.

Jerking upright he mouthed 'You Did It Wrong'

Shaking my head I was trying to tell him I did exactly what he told me to, it's just that his patented move wasn't as full prove as he thought. But the more I nodded in the affirmative the more he shook his head in disagreement. I hadn't really been paying attention to what Edward was doing yet I still knew this was not the time or place to be having this discussion besides it was getting irritating.

Slicing my hand through the air in a signal to 'shut the hell up' I nearly jumped out of my skin when Edward said “Isabella do you have something to say?”

My wide eyes met Edward's narrowed ones “N..no Sir”

“Are you sure? Because it looks like you're trying to have a conversation”

Staying quiet I didn't dare look away from him, in fact I refused to even blink for fear Master would read something in my expression. When his eyes shifted over to Dougie I breathed a silent sigh of relief then nearly started hyperventilating when he spoke to Riley.

“That reminds me, could we please set a ground rule that unless someone is dying, phone calls should be limited to...oh lets say...after eight o'clock in the morning”

“That sounds...who called before...”realization dawned on Riley, glancing over at his son who was studiously playing with some kind of hand held game he called him “Douglas”

I had to give it to him, Dougie played the innocent game to the hilt, completely ignoring Riley and making him speak slightly firmer “Douglas”

Looking up Dougie held no more concern then had he been called for dinner “Yes daddy?”

Motioning for him to get up, Dougie set the game down on the bar and as he approached Riley gripped him firmly by the back of the neck “What time did you call Isabella this morning?”

Swallowing hard I held my breath while Dougie answered with a questioning tone “A little bit after seven?”

“Why would you call so early?”

“Well, I was sleeping...and then...” his eyes met mine and I hoped to god he had a better excuse then I could think of or we were dead in the water.

Although I want to go on record to say that it was not my idea to have Dougie call me, that was all on him – still I went along with the plan. I knew damn well Friday morning was going to be the last hurdle in thwarting Edward's advances. I had just about worn out every excuse I could to keep from having sex and I needed one more obstacle to stick with operation cock-block. When I explained the lengths I had already gone through Dougie was all too happy to assist me.

In hind sight it was very devious of us and the guilt was beginning to set in, however I couldn't be sure if that was because I was truly feeling bad about what I'd done or the fact that I might get caught. In truth it was more the later because I wasn't exactly prepared to confess either.

Dougie had made me promise that if we were ever in this kind of predicament that I would stay quiet so he could do all the talking. That's exactly what I did, stood there appearing to be indifferent while waiting to be dazzled by his self proclaimed brilliance.

“...and then something just...Bam!” slamming his hands together and making me jump “...woke me right up... and I thought 'oh my god' I wonder if Bells gotz everything done...and daddy you know how I am with parties?...every thing just right”

“You knew the night before everything was finished...” Edward countered as Riley eyed me speculatively while listening to Dougie's response “Not everything...” he said shaking his head “...it still wasn't packed and I wanted to make sure none of the plants got hurted when they were moved”

“But why so early?” Riley asked as his eyes went back to Dougie

“Because Bells told me she was leaving real early so Master Edward could go golfing...”

Oh My God...now he's blaming it on Edward

“...and I wanted to catch her before she left so I didn't worry bout them pooooor” drawing out the word with a pitiful expression “....little plants all day”

What Dougie said was the truth, at least in theory. We had spoken about me boxing up the small fairy gardens but that was just in passing after the initial reason along with a good giggle over Edward's frustration. Glancing back at me, Riley's intimidating glare had me nervous as hell because it seemed as if he was searching for something – the truth - which he knew he wasn't getting.

That man was not dumb, he knew damn well something was up, he just wasn't exactly sure what it was.

I became so rattled at the fear of getting caught my stomach turned and without giving it permission my mouth curved into an involuntary smile. Riley's eyes narrowed to the point where I expected him to call me out, demand to know what the two of us had been up to, instead he chuckled “You're going to make it very easy Isabella”

Make what easy?

I didn't get to ask, of course without permission to speak I wouldn't have and as Edward gave me an inquisitive look while Riley addressed his son “Douglas apologize for interrupting Edward's morning and promise it will not happen again”

“Iz sorry Master Edward and it won't happen again. From now on eight o'clock....On The Dot” emphasizing each word with a clap of his hands

Riley finally released the hold he had on Dougie's neck “I believe that was an arbitrary time, I think nine is more reasonable.”

“OK daddy...” shaking his head he said in a little boy voice “... no arm-trair-y stuff...Nine o'clock...On Da Dot” again adding the clap before giving me a wave “I'll see you later girlfriend”

It seemed the crisis was over, at least for the moment as Dougie went back to playing with his game.

Swallowing hard I bit my bottom lip to keep from saying anything and stared at the floor as Edward gave a parting good-bye before leading us into the dancing area.

I would have thought we'd go to the VIP section as it was quieter and more conducive to talking but I suppose Edward wanted Quil and Claire to have the full experience because we stopped at one of the larger tables by the dance floor.

While our friends sat down Edward pinned me his eyes “Isabella I'm going to let whatever happened back there with Riley go. I'm going to assume it was either nothing to be concerned about or something you will inform me of later. Do you understand what I am saying?”

“Yes Master”

Giving me a nod he pulled out my chair and I sat knowing damn well I was going to have to tell him about operation cock-block. I could shut my mouth, let him assume Dougie and I were planning something for his birthday or equally innocent, however that just seemed like lying to me. On the whole scale of things my actions were harmless so it wouldn't be my deviousness that would cause the most harm. In fact there was a good chance Edward might even laugh but he wouldn't find it so funny if he found out and I hadn't been the one to tell him. I just hoped he see the shrewdness of operation cock-block in the same humorous way I did and not something malicious.

“Hey little brother” Emmett clapped him on the shoulder before Edward could sit down “...thought you were taking the night off”

“We had a change of plans” gesturing to Quil Emmett shook his hand as they were introduced. Edward asked where Rose was and before Emmett finished saying she was in the bathroom, she too joined us. After meeting our guest Rose gave me a hug before taking the seat next to me with Emmett in the last chair on her right.

The waitress came around; I stayed quiet while Edward ordered me a white wine and as the conversation started I looked across the table to see Claire giving me a speculative look. It was my worse fear coming to life, my worlds were colliding and the 'normal' side, was passing judgment. Resolved to carry out the rest of the night, there was nothing to do about it except remain obedient to Master and allow the chips to fall where they may.

Our drinks arrived from a waitress I hadn't previous met and one who seemed charmed by Edward yet not on an intimate basis. Settling back into my seat I took a drink and the conversation at the table began. Emmett was enthralled with the fact that Quil was an Environmental Conservationist or as he so eloquently put it “You're a fucking forest ranger...that's so cool”

Quil laughed him off “Yup I work at preserving wildlife and Claire tries to build bridges through it”

“Awesome...” Emmett billowed “..I'll bet that makes for some fantastic angry sex”

Claire practically chocked on the drink of Rum and Coke while Quil just smirked “It has it's advantages”

They got around to Emmett's job which didn’t really surprise anyone, Rose on the other hand was a different story. Poor Quil almost fell over from shock when she told them “I teach auto body repair to high school kids at the Technical School”

Claire blinked a few times before reaching across the table to pick up Rose's manicured hand “With those nails?”

“It's summer time now, but yeah I can pop a dent without breaking a nail”

Pulling her to him Emmett laughed “My woman can pop lots of things...can't ya baby?”

The music that had been playing stopped and every eye went to the DJ who announced that it was open mic night “So if you have joke, funny story, words of advice, or you just feel the need to sing, don't be shy come on up and let her rip. I'll even get you started.”

“A cat and a rooster are walking next to a lake, both of them were hungry and looking for something to eat. The Rooster sees a worm squirming around, he chases it, pounces on it and quickly eats it. Satisfied he sits back rubbing his full belly.

“The cat is kind of pissed off and thinks 'well if he can do it, so can I' and he sees a mouse running along the edge of the lake. He raises his tail, arches his back and with all his might launches to pounce on the mouse only to miss and end up in the lake.”

“So what's the moral of the story?”

Looking around the room the DJ smiled “Where there’s a satisfied cock, there's always a wet pussy”

Some people groaned at the corniness, others laughed at the humor and the DJ reminded everyone 'Anything goes on open mic night' before the music started again. It wasn't too much longer Dougie came over to our table “Daddy's talking business and I had enough of that all day so can I sit with yous?”

His question was directed to Edward, however it was Emmett who answered “Sure, have a seat”

Taking the empty chair next to Claire he stuck his hand in front of her “Hi, I'm Dougie, sorry I didn't get to say hello before...” shaking her hand his nose wrinkled “...Daddy was kind of yelling at me”

“I saw...I'm Claire” she said dropping his hand she gesture to her right “...and this my...fiance, Quil”

“I know.... I heard alllllll” Dougies hand swept through the air as his pitch of his voice rose “...about you yesterday” her eyes went to me as Dougie continued “Bells was going on and on and on... I phought she'd neber shut up.”

I laughed “That's bull”

“Is not...I drobe her all around the city and all she talked about was Master Edward and the two of you and some utter stuff...”shaking his head in disgust “...that I'm too much of a gentleman to repeat. Daddy raised me right...” poking his finger at me he leaned towards her conspiratorially and whisper loud enough for us all to hear “...Master Edward's still working on her”

“Oh my god” I gasped under my breath “You are such a fibber”

“Nah ah...” shaking his head “...Iz neber fibs”

His eyes shifted as to look at Claire from the corner “You just wait and see, she's gonna say something naughty” Putting his hand on his head he pulled some of the long stands on the top as he said “It makes my hair stand on edge”

Beside me Edward snickered while Emmett had to just get in on the Bella Bashing “I can believe that, besides Bells what were you doing out anyway...what happened to the grounding”

At the word Claire's eyes widened “You're grounded?”

Dougie spoke before anyone else could “Noooo...Bells not grounded, she's just on double duty security. That's where I came in, my job was to do everything she needed done, feed her nutritious lunch and return Bells just as good as I got her. And I did such a good job...Master Edward said I can come over and play anytime. Right Master Edward?”

Edward nodded his head in agreement before seeming to think of something “You never told me why you choose to eat lunch at your house”

Dougie tilted his head too and fro, it was clear he was either trying to think of a reason or trying to come up with the best way to explain it. “Well, I couldn't think of any place to have a nutritious lunch that had a safe bathroom and I knew home would. That way Bells could go tinkle and I wouldn’t have to stand outside the door or have to rush in if something happened and maybe see her lady parts.”

“Don't worry...” I said assuredly “...you wont see any of this ones lady parts”

“Good...cuz I sees enuff of them. I gets up close and personal with all kind of lady parts...big ones...”

Rose just had to ask “Big ones?”

“Yes...some are all big and puffy”

oh my god

Something told me I was going to need a drink for this conversation, taking a sip of wine I listened as Dougie enlightened us on the many varieties o the female anatomy “Some are all nice and neat, some with hair, without hair, tattooed, branded, pierced...” scrunching his face Dougie made a downward motion with his hands “and some with these things hanging out of it.”

Everyone was snickering at his description and Emmett said “Those are great to chew on”

I was laughing to hard to say anything but poor Dougie looked like he was going to be sick “EWWWWW...they pee out of that thing”

“You pee...out of yours” Claire said through her laughter however Dougie just didn't see the humor “Yeah but minez dries...girls are just always...wet. And some of them stink, I mean really can't they get some perfume or something, then they put fur on it...”

“Fur? You mean they are extra hairy?”

Shaking his head at Rose's question Dougie explained “No I mean real fur, mink, chinchilla, fox whatever.”

“On their vag?”

“Yup...” nodding his head “...they wax or laser off all the hair and then superglue on patches of fur or feathers. It's all the rage in New York, they even bling it out with jewels, it's called Vajeweled”

Letting that sink in Dougie got a smile on his face “This one lady had a hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of diamonds glued to her bits”

My mind was still wrapping itself around that when a male voice said “Someone say diamonds?”

Edward stood to greet Demetri who placed a bright red gift bag on the end of the table. As he introduced our friends Quil shook his hand while Claire just gave a polite “hello”

“So what's all this about diamonds?”

“Oh...” Edward chuckled before launching into the retelling of Dougie's dressed up vagina story. When he was done Rose had her own question “Wouldn't they hurt...I mean diamonds have a point on the end don't they”

“No, it all depends on the setting but you can grind them down until their smooth”

“Master Demetri is a jeweler” I heard Dougie whisper to Claire at the same time Emmett wondered “What's in the bag?”

Assuming it was a gift for Edward's birthday his answer took me by surprise “It's for Isabella...”

Me?

“...with your approval of course”

The last part being addressed to Master and even though I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Demetri was giving me a gift I was still very curious about what it was. Craning my neck to see if I could look in the bag I vaguely heard Edward's snide response “Of course”

However I certainly did hear him say my name and pulling my attention away from the bag to Edward's out stretched hand I stood with a mixture of excitement and bewilderment. Stepping aside Edward guided me next to Demetri before sitting back down. I thought maybe he had something to do with it but one look at his face told me he was just as curious about what was in the bag as I was.

“It's not this ones birthday” I told Demetri

“This isn't a special occasion gift, this is a...just because kind of thing”

It might have been rude but I still had to wonder “Just because what?”

He smirked “Because I wanted to”

“Well come on, open it” Emmett said from the end of the table.

Taking one last glance at Edward to make sure it was alright, my teeth bit into my bottom lip as I pulled back the sheets of white tissue paper and nearly squealed with glee as I seen what was in there. The excitement was so great I didn't even bother to remove the contents. Instead in my excitement I jumped up throwing my arms around Demetri's neck. Chuckling he held on to me as I placed a kiss on his cheek while repeating joyfully “Thank you...Thank you...Thank you”

“What the hell is it?”

Emmett's voice was closer then it should have been and as I was once again put on the floor I realized he was standing next to me looking in the bag “That's what got you all excited? Damn girl, your cheap. It takes real jewelry and exotic car parts to get that kind of reaction from Rosie...you get excited over a box of cereal?”

“Two...” I corrected him excitedly “Two boxes of cereal!” I said pulling out the two large family size boxes of Fruity Pebbles.

Shaking his head Emmett wondered “Why the fuck would you buy her cereal?”

“I was wondering that myself” Quil muttered while Claire added “me too”

In my excitement it hadn't really dawned on me what his motives were either so I was glad when he explained “Edward told me about the cereal the day your car broke down and I wasn't too sure if the big meany was going to let you keep them or not. So you know the old saying 'when daddy says no, uncle Demetri says...YES”

His words and expression making me giggle as he added the best part of all “And since they are a gift, he can't deny you from keeping them”

I still had not heard from Edward and glancing to him I was glad to see the smile on his face as he addressed his friend “Thank you so much Demetri, that was very considerate of you”

Meeting my eyes he added “Thanks to your new uncle, we wont have to buy any...two months from tomorrow”

Oh Shit...the bet

“But they are a present” I whined

“I know, and we'll just keep them wrapped up with a sign on it that says 'No Peeking Until...”

Was he serious?

Two gigantic boxes of Fruity Pebbles just sitting there, in the kitchen, with my name on them and he expects me to wait. To not eat a bowl, grab a handful or make marshmallow treats out of them? Either he was crazy or he was more of a sadist then I thought.

“But Master...” the word came out loud and clear without any regard for the presence of my friends “...don't you think it will hurt Demetri's feelings if this one doesn’t enjoy her gift?”

“I'm sure he has no doubt you will enjoy every bit of them. However since he is unaware of our earlier discussion or the agreement we came to...”

Right...the agreement which guaranteed my smiling face at the breakfast table in exchanged for being able to sit at said table.

“...he was indulging you. Now without the mauling...” a trace of humor in his voice “thank him properly and tell him how much you appreciate your gift and perhaps you'll invite him over to share a bowel with you...in two months.”

Without even thinking about it my bottom lip stuck out as I complained “But Masss...”

It was as far as I got, Edward's hand sliced through air telling me in no uncertain terms that the discussion was over. A twirl of his finger had me immediately turning to fulfill his demand.

“Thank you uncle...” purposely adding the title “...Demetri for taking the time to think of this girl. That was very nice of you and had she been victorious in the bet she made, she'd be scarfing them down for tomorrows breakfast. As it is Master is correct in reminding his girl she will need to wait and of course you are most welcome at anytime.”

“I'll keep that in mind and maybe the next time I give you a gift, you wont have to wait to enjoy it”

Placing the boxes back into the bag I handed it to Edward who smirked before placing the bag on the floor between our two chairs as he addressed his friend. “Would you like to join us?”

“Some other time, Giahanna should be arriving soon, so I'll leave you all to your evening”

Nodding in the direction of Quil and Claire he told them 'it was a pleasure to met you' before saying goodbye to the rest of us. Sitting back down I was slightly dejected which didn’t go away anytime soon at the look of uncertainty on Claire's face or the loud booming laugh of Emmett.

“So what bet did you loose sweets cheeks?”

“Don't call me sweet cheeks?” I seethed through clenched teeth, gaining another chuckle from Emmett and a reproving tone from Edward. “Isabella”

Rose quickly came to my defense, telling the insufferable man at the end of the table to 'knock it off' while my eyes went to Master, who was glaring at me with raised eyebrows. “I know your not happy, but that's no excuse to loose your composure”

Taking a deep breath to calm myself I was taking in the curious eyes of my friends and wishing I could know what they were thinking when I heard Emmett say “...Rosie I could have called her Puff-a-Lump”

And that was all it took for the laughing to start

“OH MY WORD! I forgot all about Puff-a-Lump” Quil said through his hackles making my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as beside me Rosie snickered “Where did that name come from?”

“They called you Puff-a-lump?” Dougie wondered as Claire giggled while nodding her head “They did”

“Why?” my bestest friend's curiosity must have reflected Edward's as well because he said “I wanted to know that myself”

Quil launched into the tale of my clarinet days, how I'd sit out on the front porch blowing away. While he spoke my mind automatically went back to those earlier years. I certainly wasn't a musical prodigy however my mother had an old upright piano that she fiddled around on. She had been playing since her childhood and played well enough that Phil and I could sing along with her. I had only started taking lessons the year before her death and unlike many children, I liked it. Maybe it was because as a little girl I was imitating my mother. Or maybe it was the challenge of turning the impersonal black notes on the page into something familiar.

Either way my joy in the conquest only lasted a short time, that too was ripped away from me with the fatal accident. Charlie told me the cost to ship the piano was too expensive plus his home was just too small to accommodate it. By the time I got to sixth grade my desire to play an instrument crept back in when the high school music teacher headed up a school assembly. Giving demonstrations of each instrument that was available to loan through the school.

That afternoon I went home with the permission slip already filled in with everything but a parents signature. Charlie was on a split shift so he stopped home for a quick dinner but didn't really finish work until eight. When he got home I was so excited that I brought it to him right away however he had something more important on his mind so the slip went under a magnet on the refrigerator. It had taken a few days before my pestering finally got too much and he just signed the form without bothering to look at it. By the time I handed it in, all the Flutes – which was my first choice – were gone, leaving me with my second pick, the Clarinet. It didn't really matter to me, I just wanted to play.

And play I did

Whenever I was home alone – which was often – I'd practice, everywhere I went my Clarinet came along. It hadn't taken long before I was playing well enough to not bother anyone who happened t be in listening distance. Still rather then staying in the house I would either retreat to one of the porches or head down to the beach. That's where I was when Paul came up with the annoying name.

He and the guys were just hanging out, razzing each other while tossing rocks into the ocean. When they came upon us I sitting on one of the broken tree limbs working on a new jazz piece watching Leah and Kim trying to start a bonfire. The boys started telling them what to do but no matter how they tried, the blaze just wouldn't start and the name calling started. Jerk face, doofus, freakazoid; typical normal insults were being thrown back and forth. Paul, always the most vocal started getting more vicious in his attacks so coming to the aid of my friends I told him to go home so his momma could wash the skid-marks out of his underwear...

“And Paul said, 'is that the best you got Puff-a-Lump...” Quil gave me a grin as he got to the end of his story the same time my memory had “...and it just kind of stuck”

“Ok, the puff I get, from blowing in the thing” Rose said while wiggling her fingers on an imaginary horn “But what's up with the lump”

Giving her a pointed look I reminded her “Twelve year old girls start to...develop”

“Ohhhh...” Dougie said “...you were getting boobies and that made you lumpy”

“That's awful”

Go Rose

A pregnant woman's fury is not to be denied, turning to her husband, Emmett received the brunt of Rose's outrage “Don't you ever call Bella that again...do you hear me?”

"Ok Rosie..." He said holding up his hands in surrender "...I won't"

"I mean it Emmett! It's hard enough at that age to be all awkward and self conscious. The last thing a girl wants is for a group of adolescent nimrods drawing attention to something she'd rather not be there"

Emmett never one to not have the last word told his wife with no uncertainty "well I'm sure she's glad their there now"

I sure was.

Most women criticize what nature gave them, they think their boobs are either too big or too small and will undergo painful, expensive surgery to fix what they perceive as a deformity. It's their prerogative to do as they please and besides the Jasper's of the world need to make a living. Personally, I'm perfectly happy with my lot in the gene pool in fact I would go so far as to say my cleavage is my best feature.

"You know Emery got his ass chewed out over telling you that."

Edwards comment reminding me of the night before when Emery and Kim came over to help with making the favors.

"He sure did, Bells was mad..." Dougie said in agreement as he leaned into Claire he "...that was when the real naughty talk started. I was glad I gots a picture before she started hollering, because afterward he wasn't so happy, specially when Kim started yelling too. Woooooo...." dramatically rolling his eyes to the ceiling "....for being so little that woman sure can put him in his place, she's good as you Rose"

Kim's had many years of dealing with her husband, who is not as brawny as Emmett but he sure has just as big of a mouth. Thinking of Emery brought a whole other question that hadn't been answered.

Leaning forward so I could see around Rose I wondered "How exactly did that particular conversation come up?”

How did they go from golfing to Emery's blabbing out the horrible name?

“We exchanged information” Emmett said with a shrug “My man Emery had something I wanted to know and I had something he wanted to know, it was an even swap”

“And what information did you have?”

It was the first time they had met, so I couldn't imagine anything Emery would want to know from Emmett.

“I told him Edward's most embarrassing college moment”

“Which was?”

“OH...no.” shaking his while he laughed “That only comes out of the vault on special occasions”

Yeah, like gaining leverage against me

Turning towards Edward to see if he'd be willing to share was a lost cause as he sat as stoic as stone.

“Besides...” Emmett went on after putting his glass down “...those kinds of things are what college is for”

A thought popped into my memory “Thought college was for experimenting and orgies?”

“It's all the same thing girl”

Shaking my head I sat back then nearly fell off my chair as Claire calmly announced “I went to an orgy”

I'm not sure what expression – other then shock – was on my face but Claire took one look at me and started Rambling “Well I didn't really go to one, it just kind of you know...” she shrugged in casualness “turned into one.”

No, I didn't know. How do you go to a party and end up in an orgy.

“Of course alcohol really helped”

Oh, I guess that's how

“It only happened once and really it wasn't nothing to write home about. Just a lot of hands and everywhere you looked there was a penis coming at you”

“It's always the quiet ones” Emmett's booming laugh reached the inner cortex of my brain
My astonishment was so great, I had to literally force my mouth closed as I sat there wondering what an appropriate response should be when I heard “You're right Claire, there really are a lot of penises”

I don't why Dougie's comment bothered me or why I all of a sudden felt like I have been left out of some secret club but that's exactly what happened and I found myself becoming rather indignant. “Am I the only one who's never been to an orgy?”

“Who?” Edward's stern remonder “that's twice now Isabella”

He was right, however at the moment I was still feeling like the odd man out, so I ended up rephrasing the question with more contempt then I should have “Sorry is this one, the only one whose never been to a damn orgy?”

“Isabella...” Edward warned in a tone that told me I had better take heed “You are pushing my patience”

Clarity came back to me, sitting back I took a deep breath and unconsciously let it out in a deep sigh. The first thing I saw was Dougie's shoulders draw up as he clinched his teeth together in a tight grimace. But that was quickly overshadowed by the snap of fingers and Edward's arm pointing to the far corner of the room while he growled “Now!”

My heart sank, my stomach rolled and I had to bite into my bottom lip to keep from whimpering like a wounded dog. Master was sending me to the corner, I knew why, I knew he wasn't fooling around and I knew I had better not hesitate in getting there. Dropping my eyes in shame I moved as quickly as I could while still attempting to seem graceful from the chair. The twenty foot walk to my destination may as well been twenty miles for how long it seemed to take. It was like walking the green mile, I was dead-sub-walking, at least that's how I felt.

Yet there was not anger or resentment towards him, myself, that was a different story. I was ashamed to have not kept myself under control especially when Master had warned me about reigning it in. I was also saddened that my actions left him with no choice but to discipline me and more so in front of our friends.

Oh what they must think of me

Quil and Claire wanted a first hand look at how a dominant interacts with a submissive and I was giving them one hell of a show. Back at the house Claire asked if I thought she was crazy for wanting to be dominated, after this little escaped she's going to think I've totally lost my mind. I wasn't exactly sure how to explain, how I make her see that Master wasn't being some vicious tyrant that got off on pushing me around. Worse was the worry that they would see his actions as being abusive. I couldn't allow my actions to have a detrimental effect on Edward, yet I wasn't sure how to fix it either.

The walk to the corner was hard enough, the way back to Master after reciting the phrase I knew so well, was excruciating. What was I suppose to say to them? My embarrassment was so great I could feel the tears well in my downcast eyes. This is what happens when your worlds collide, they crash, they topple and one smashes into bits.

The only thing that kept my feet moving was the knowledge that Master was waiting for me. He was still sitting at the end of the table, casually conversing with everyone. However he had adjusted himself so he was sitting with his body sort of turned out toward the open part of the room. As I approached there wasn't any lull in the conversation. In fact it was as if my presence had gone unnoticed except for the fact that Master had fully turned his body and attention towards me.

He didn't even wait for me to get into a presentation stance instead as I approached his arms opened and I practically leaped into his lap. There were no words said, just quiet acceptance as I snuggled my face into his neck while his hand stroked down the length of my spine. The conversation between everyone else continued while Master held me and I struggled to keep from crying.

“Shhh...” he hushed quietly “...are you angry with me?”

“No Sir”

He placed a kiss on my head before asking “Are you angry with yourself?”

“Yes Sir”

“Well don't be, although I don't know what had you so upset. Have you changed your mind about wanting to attend an orgy”

God no

“No Sir”

“Ahhh...” Edward's hand swept down my back around my hip and settled on my bottom “...then you were just behaving like a child who wanted an extra dessert. They're full and know they could never eat it, yet their eyes are bigger then their belly and they don't really want it, they just want to say they had it”

My head turned a bit so I could glance over Edward's shoulder, I couldn't see Quil's face but Claire was happily going on about something as if nothing had happened. Tucking my head back into his neck Edward patted my butt as he asked “Are you better now?”

I was still embarrassed and had no idea how to explain my actions or Edward's still I answered with a tentative “Yes Sir”

Shifting in the chair, Edward's hand came up to grip my chin, lifting it to stare into my eyes for a long moment before kissing my lips and saying the words that were my reprieve “Don't be embarrassed my love, these things happen and you can thank Douglas for explaining the situation to our friends. He took up your cause as if he had a personal stake in it, clarifying what happened much better then I could have. He's a good friend for you.”

I already knew that.

The sound of the DJ talking took our attention towards the stage, where three girls stood next to him “We got some limericks for you. Take it away ladies"

Handing the microphone over to the first girl she started without any hesitation

“There was a young dentist Malone
who had a charming girl patient alone.
But in his depravity
he filled the wrong cavity,
God, how his practice has grown!”

Snickers and chuckles filled the room as the next girl started

“There once was a man from Bonaire
Who was doing his wife on the stairs
When the banister broke
He doubled his stroke
And finished her off in midair”

That one made both Edward and I laugh as the last girl took the mic with a awkward hand yet spoke very plainly

“There once was a fellow O'Doole
Who found little red spots on his tool
His Doctor a cynic
said Get out of me clinic,
And clean off that lipstick you fool!”

We all laughed and there was a small round of applause for the girls who were brave enough to get up there. The DJ took his mic back and as the girls left the stage he had his own piece of humor "Lets not forget, If it's yellow, let it mellow. If its brown, wash it down. And if its red....well, good luck with that"

That brought even more laughter as my eyes once again stared into Edwards and his hand bushed the hair from my face "I love to hear you giggle, it makes me happy too"

The music started again and as Nickelback began playing, over Edward's shoulder the movement of Dougie getting up with Claire caught my attention. A second later they were standing next to us waiting to be acknowledged. Turning his head towards them he raised his eye brow and Dougie must have taken that as permission to speak.

"Master Edward can your girl come dance with us....pleeease?"

The pitiful face along with the pleading tone made Edward shake his head as he tried hard to remain impassive "She'll be along in a moment"

"Ok, thank you....don't be too long Bells, we want to shake our Bon Bons"

"How did we get him?"

Edwards question causing me to break out into a fit of hysterical giggles, my laughter making his face finally break out into a huge grin.

"Thank you Master"

"Just what are you thanking me for Isabella?"

Whether it was an apology or a show of appreciation, Master always expected a detailed explanation. "For loving your girl enough to not....wimp out....with sending her to the corner and then giving her the comfort she needed afterward"

"I'll always do that Isabella"

The sincerity of his tone telling me he meant what he said. What I couldn't be sure of was if he was referring to the sending me to the corner or the comforting me. Deep in the recesses of my mind something told me it was both.

"Now I believe your friends are waiting for you to go shake your Bon Bon"

"Not sure exactly what that is" I muttered making Edward laugh "I can't wait to watch and find out"

"Then this one wouldn't dream if keeping you waiting" I said extricating myself from his lap.

The song was half over by the time I joined the circle. Throughout the next four selections we laughed and danced, giggling everything we had until I was sure my Bon Bon was adequately shaken. Dougie was in his glory, grabbing any hand he could to twirl the owner while we kept in step to the beat.

Rose had joined us and we did a little dirty dancing trying to out do each other as we took turns going 'low, low, low' until finally declaring Rose the winner of that contest. I swear even with her expanding belly the woman could drop down and grind.

After jumping around like a we were at a teenage rave while 'who hooing' and singing at the top of our lungs that 'tonight's going to be a good night' the tempo slowed down. Single piano notes accompanied by a soft strum of a guitar sounded throughout the room and an arm wrapped around my waist. The heat of his body pressed against my back along with the feel of his breath against my face sent my over excited heart into a frenzy.

“Hello Master"

"Mmmmmm" he hummed against my ear "...how did you know it was me?"

“Who else would it be?”

“Oh I think there are quite a few people who would love to have you in there arms”

“This one thinks you might be exaggerating”

Without missing a step he took my hand to spin me around until I was facing him “Would you like a list?”

His grin making me smile “No Sir, that wont be necessary, your arms are the only ones that matter. And your girl would always know your touch because it has a way of making this one's blood boil”

Our lips met for a single kiss that ended much sooner then I would have liked “I'm going to take Quil on a quick tour, it shouldn't take too long. I got you a fresh drink and I thought you might be thirst so there is a pitcher of water there also. You may walk around but I want you to stay here in the main room with your friends. Do you understand?”

“Yes Sir...but”

His eyes rose so I just asked “May this one use the bathroom?”

“Yes, when I said main room I meant stay out of the VIP area”

The song ended and before releasing me Edward gave me one more kiss along with his standard parting line “behave yourself and remember who you belong to”

Only Claire and Dougie were at the table, they were standing there talking about her wedding and she commented once again how nice the fairy gardens turned out. I stood next to them pouring a glass of water when she asked him “Are you coming tomorrow, to the shower?”

It had never dawned on me to ask Dougie and his answer made it seem like my absentmindedness insulted him “I wasn't invited”

“I didn't know you wanted to, but you could come, besides I'm not sure I would know how to set everything up the way you were showing me to”

“Really” His eyes lit up “you wouldn't mind?”

“No...”

I didn't even get to finish or take a drink before he was grabbing both Claire's and my hand “Let's go ask Daddy”

Dougie was practically dragging the two of over to where Riley was sitting and when I saw who was with him I came to an abrupt halt “Tanya is over there”

“So what...come on” Dougie said pulling on my arm but I was still resisting

Moving closer to Dougie the three of us stood in a three man huddle, knowing there were probably eyes on us I spoke quietly “I don't want to be anywhere near her”

“Who's Tanya?” Claire whispered but I was more focused on Dougie to answer her “She isn't going to do anything with Uncle Zar sitting right there”

Still resisting he pleaded “Come on Bells, if I don’t ask now, it will be too late and I’ll be stuck having to play Tanya all day tomorrow”

“Why will it be too late?” I wondered while Claire asked again “Who's Tanya”

Ignoring her he explained that once they went upstairs Riley's plans would be set for the next day and unless it was an emergency, Dougie couldn't change them.”So come on”

Groaning I agreed and this time it was Claire who kept us at a standstill, unwilling to move as her voice remained low but still insistent “Who The Hell Is Tanya?”

“She's the blonde woman with the red shirt on” Claire following the direction of my eyes took Tanya in as she asked “Ok...now who is she?”

Dougie tugged on our hands and hissed “She's Master Edward's ex-submissive”

“He had another one?”

Claire really wanted to know the full story however we were only a few steps away from our destination so that conversation was going to have to wait.

Riley eyed the three of us speculatively as Dougie came to a stop in front of him “Hi Daddy”

“Hello Douglas are you having fun?”

“Uh ah...yup I sure am” Dougie said as he squeezed my hand and I took that as a sign I was suppose to say sometime “Ah...hi Double D”

He scoffed out a chuckle “Hello Isabella, are you having fun?”

“Yes Sir” I said after releasing my bottom lip from between my teeth.

“Daddy...” letting go if my hand Dougie dramatically swept his hands towards my friend “...Dis..is Claire”

“I know, we've met” Riley smiled warmly

“But...did you know...Claire is getting married...” his voice raising in excitement “...aint that great daddy”

I had no idea what Claire's wedding had to do with his coming to the shower the next day but I figured Dougie knew what he was doing so I just stayed quiet and let him work. While I listened to the whole spiel being performed I could feel Eleazar's eyes on me.

Shifting my gaze I half expected him to turn away instead the olive skinned man smiled warmly.
"It's nice to see you again Isabella"

Smiling politely I ignored the scowling woman two seats down "Hello Sir, how are you this evening?"

"I'm doing well and yourself?"

"This one is doing very well also”

To my surprise the man laughed "This the exact same conversation we had last time Isabella”

“It is Sir?”

“Practically word for word” he gave me a small grin “Lets see if we can expand on it, shall we? How is your Master this evening?”

Knowing the man wanted something more then a standard answer of 'fine' I obliged “Master is well also Sir, he's had some business to take care of but it will only take him away from his girl for a few minutes”

The broad smile revealing a row of shiny white teeth “See my dear, that wasn't so very hard. You have nothing to fear from me child”

“This girl is not fearful of you. If she may be so bold as to say, she doesn't know you well enough to form an opinion one way or another. Please do not take offense as this one can be a bit reserved, especially when her Master has not given express consent for his girl to converse with you.”

“Ah, I see you are remaining obedient”

“Well...”giving a sly smile “...to be honest, you are not on the list of Do Not Speak To People”

He saw the humor in my statement and laughed “That's nice to know Isabella”

I was actually relaxed around the man and I was starting to see why Dougie had so much respect for him. It would have been easy to continue talking with Eleazar except for the woman sitting two stools down staring daggers at me and the sound of Dougie's voice.

“OH and daddy, did you know Bells is mad at you?”

My head whipped in Dougie's direction while Riley chuckled “She doesn't seem to be mad at me”

“Because she's not” I said assuredly at the same time Dougie added “Well not anymore, but she was”

“WAS NOT!” I insisted

“Why would Isabella be angry with me?”

Dougie had the answer ready for him “Because you tattled on her,”

“This one was not...” Dougie interrupted my denial “Yes, she was and Daddy, Bells knew right away you tolded on her. You know how when Iz been real bad and you go...” Dougie squared his shoulders as he put his hands on his hips and spoke in a deep mature voice “...Douglas Allan.”

The performance was too much and I found myself snickering while he continued “...well last night when Master Edward came home, himz goes...” wriggling his head until his neck was set his one eyebrow raised and he imitated Edward's clear stern tone “Isabella...do you have something to tell me?”

His impersonation was so dead on I had to bite down on my lip to keep from laughing, Claire on the other hand had to fear of any repercussions so she openly giggled which did not help with my composure.

“And Bells knew right away that you told about her saying a naughty word and herz got mad at you for getting herz in trub-ble.”

Riley grinned at me "I'm very sorry if your actions had an adverse effect on you Isabella, my intent was only to keep your Master informed that I had corrected you not to put you in a punishable position"

"Oh she wasn't punished daddy"

Riley raised his eyebrows as if that surprised him "and you know that because?"

"Iz was right there daddy..." Taking on a fatherly expression Double D wondered "and after you left? Was that something you spoke about during your early morning phone call?"

Oh shit

"Iz told you what we..." Holding his hand up to stop Dougie's talking he said "I know what you told me"

Riley turned his head to me as he said "Now I'd like to hear the story from Isabella"

Oh double shit

"Let's start with how long this phone call lasted, shall we"

Swallowing hard I answered as honestly as I could "ahhhh...ten minutes or so"

"Ten minutes?" He questioned before turning to look at Eleazar "That seems like an awfully long time just to find out about some plants"

When he turned back to me Double D's expression was speculative "Surely there must have been some other conversation"

"Daddy we talked..."

Riley glared at his boy "Quiet, I am speaking to Isabella"

His words were taken to heart and for the first time since I've known him I saw the Dom in Daddy's eyes and Dougie's words about the 'ouchie room' came to mind. When Riley's attention returned to me his face was softer yet still had an edge to it.

"Now tell me dear girl, what kept you on the phone so long?”

My teeth were perched into my bottom lip so tightly it was beginning to throb and yet I couldn’t think of anything to say, so I staled.

“ahhh...”

Cocking his head Double D smiled in a knowing way and prompted “Was it the weather? Or perhaps a sporting event?” when I still didn’t answer he started rattling off subjects “The ozone layer, global warming, music, a book, the latest movie or maybe the decline of the stock market...”

Riley was interrupted by the sound of a loud exacerbated huff and when I saw who it was coming from my teeth dug in deeper to the flesh between them. Two things seemed to happen at once Caius stepped towards us from the side of the bar and behind me a stern forceful voice said my name.

Caius ignored my name just as surely as I did as he said calmly “I'd like to know Isabella's opinion on the stock market myself”

“Isabella, come here NOW!” Looking over my shoulder to see a very unhappy Demetri I didn’t waste anytime in stepping behind Dougie to take Claire's hand and taking her with me to do as I was told.

As I started to move Eleazar got to his feet, planting himself between me and Caius. “I don't believe you were invited into this discussion my friend”

“Last I heard freedom of speech was still a very real thing in this country”

“And last I heard” Demetri said with venom in his voice “Edward had asked you to not approach his submissive without him being present”

“I was just passing by when I overheard a topic that has meaning to me”

Demetri's arms flexed “I don't care if Isabella called your name. You were told to stay away”

“Since when is Edward Cullen my master?”

Eleazar took a step in Caius's direction to put a calming hand on his shoulder “You know old boy, you and I have been friends for a long time. I bare you no ill will, nor can I begin to understand the motives you have for harassing this young one. She has not in anyway harmed or offended you and at the moment you are desecrating what little bit f honor you have left around here. You have always been a man who could be respected however if you continue with this malignant behavior the reputation you have will be completely lost. Is a little bit of financial gain worth it?”

Caius became incensed “What do you know about my personal business?”

Eleazar looked to his left directly at Tanya who seemed to become extremely uncomfortable under his gaze “I have learned more about you in the past week then I ever wanted to know. So take the advice of someone who would like to see you restored to your former position and take your business elsewhere.”

Shifting his head towards Tanya, Caius also became extremely uncomfortable, I could almost see the muscles in his face twitch as he appeared to become paler. For a second I thought the man might pass out and then he composed himself “Thank you for the advise, I'll take my leave”

The whole exchange occurred within the course of a few minutes, there were no raised voices so no one other then those who were involved paid much attention. Once Caius had indeed left, Eleazar gave a nod in our direction and when I glanced up I was staring into two incensed eyes.

Oh Shit! Uncle Demetri was pissed

“When Edward is not around” he spoke through a clenched jaw “...and I summon you, there is to be no hesitation on your part. Do you understand me young lady?”

“Ye...yes Sir”

Taking a deep breath his face calmed down a bit before Demetri said the words that set my nerves on edge “I will be speaking to your master about this. So that it never happens again”

Grimacing, my stomach rolled at the thought of how much trouble I was going to be in and I couldn't help but attempt to justify myself “This one...”

“Don't Waste Your Breath”

Clamping my mouth shut I watched the muscles in Demetri's chest roll as he continued to calm himself, blinking once he took a much needed cleansing breath “Go about your business, but know I'll be keeping an eye on you until Edward returns”

“Yes Sir”

Still keeping a hold of Claire's hand we quickly went back to our table, on the way she leaned in close to whisper “Can he just tell you what to do?”

Her question brought back to mind Edward's words from earlier in the week, it was the night he told me how they had trained together. I was informed that night that when Master was not around I was to obey Demetri as if it were him.

Sweet Jesus am I in trouble

Reaching the table I picked up my glass of water and nearly jumped out of my skin at the feel of someone touching my back.

“Sorry Bells, didn't mean to scare you. Are you alright?” real concern clouding Dougie's voice

“Yeah...just...” I didn't want to say 'I'm freaking the hell out' over the punishment that was sure to be coming so instead I thought of something else that had my mind reeling “What the heck was that with Tanya and Eleazar?”

“I don't know” he said while Claire added “That was freaky, it was like some secret passed between them or something”

So I wasn't crazy, even Claire saw it

“Can you find out?” I asked Dougie

“Maybe...: he shrugged “...but we gotz something more important to talk about”

We did?

“Like what?”

Dougie's eyes widened as his mouth dropped before his lips tighten around the words “Like you have got to work on your POK-ER face”

Claire giggled while Dougie didn't find it at all funny “I told you, Daddy is not going to fall for any lame stuff...” his lips once again scrunching up “...and you are going to get us in trouble. And Iz don't like trouble. Specially...” spitting the word at me “...since it didn’t even work because someone did it WRONG!”

His seething accusation along with everything that had just happened made my spine tingle and I spoke with more force then usual “I did not do it wrong! I told you Master has lots of stamina”

“Well Daddy has more Stamina!”

“Obviously NOT!”

Dougie's eyes widen in anger “You better take that back”

“NO”

It was like two children fighting over who had the strongest daddy

“Well we'll just see about that, won't we!” and he turned to leave which kind of worried me

“Where are you going?” I hissed

“Iz gotz to go talk to master Edward”

“Why?”

“That's for me to know and you to find out”

As he started to walk away I called out to him “Dougie?” when he kept walking my voice grew a little louder “Douglas?” But he just shook his head and ignore my pleading tone.

Looking over to the other side of the room I saw Edward standing with Quil, they were talking with someone I couldn't really see and Dougie was heading straight for them.

Holy Hell

Slumping down in the chair I reached for the full glass of wine, downing it in two gulps and looking across the table at Claire. She was watching me with an amused smile on her face “Are you going to get in trouble?”

She seemed almost happy, excited about the possibility.

“Yup...I think so”

And she freaking laughed

Great...just fucking great