Chapter 41

BPOV

The sound of my phone ringing jostled me awake, turning out of Edward’s arms I reached for it before Leah’s ring tone woke him.

“Hello,” I knew I sounded groggy, but hell she just woke me up.

“Hey, are you going to yoga?”

Clearing my throat I laid on the pillows hissing as my tender butt came in contact with the mattress.

“Are you alright? What’s the matter?” the concern in her voice was clear.

“I’m fine…nothings the matter.”

The events of last night came flooding back to my mind. I had been fantasying about Edward spanking me with that brush ever since the first time he used it on my hair. Wondering how the wood would feel against my skin, how much force he would use while working it over my bottom.

The idea came to me as I laid in the warmth and safety of his arms while we watched the movie. Edward’s hands ran over the bare skin of my shoulder and down my arms sending constant tingles through me. I knew he said no playroom, but I figured what the hell, he spanked me in my kitchen, surely he wouldn’t mind the bedroom.

While we let Seth out I formulated the plan, I would just wait for him with the brush in my hand. Jane had suggested letting it go and relaxing as Edward and Bella for the night in order to re-bond, but I felt that had been accomplished. I needed my Master and he needed me.

To say I was nervous would have been a lie, I was petrified. Not of the pain from the spanking that I was hoping would occur, but from Edward’s response. He could have said no and to be frankly honest I’m not sure how I would have handled the rejection. He also could have been afraid of hurting me and in turn gone easy. I believe that outcome would have damaged the confidence I had in myself and in him. The tingly burn of my bottom and the smile on my face reminded me of the fact that he didn’t do either of those things.

“Bella are you sure? You sound strange,” Leah’s voice broke through my reflections.

“I’m fine Leah; and yes, four o’clock, yoga, I’ll meet you there.”

There was a long exasperated sigh before irritation took over. “Did you even check your phone? I called three times last night…”

“I was busy last night.” The memory of the brush in Edward’s hands warming the skin of my bottom with each strike made me smile for a second.

“You’re always busy,” Leah blurted out. “Well I can’t go at four! I have to go this morning but I guess you’re not coming with me.”

I looked at the clock it was almost seven-thirty, “I’m sorry I didn’t check my phone and I’m just waking up, so no I’m not going to be able to meet you.”

Leah let out another aggravated sigh, “Whatever Bella, I have to go.”

I said good-bye then added I would call her later but the only response I received was a curt, “Yeah.”

Sitting up caused me to wince as the full weight of my upper body rested on my butt. Oh my.

No. Edward did not go easy on me, and when he said ten was the magic number it didn’t sound so bad. After the seventh strike my flesh felt like it was on fire but the combination of my hands pinching my nipples and Edward’s on my clit, I wanted to see it through. After all, it was only three more and I could feel the beginnings of an orgasm, which I so desperately wanted.

After the tenth one Edward told me to keep squeezing and cum when I wanted, I knew it wouldn’t take long. The wood hit my skin in quick slaps while his fingers brought me to completion. The mixture of pleasure and pain sent me sky rocketing and I collapsed from the sheer delight.

“What did Miss Leah want so early?” Edward’s voice broke through my thoughts.

“Ummm…she said she left me messages last night…” I told him while checking my missed calls. Sure enough there were three of them - all before ten - while we had still been downstairs “…she wanted to change our yoga time.”

I put the phone back on the nightstand then moved to get out of bed, “Where are you going?” he sounded almost sad.

“To the bathroom?” my statement was a question.

“Well hurry back, I miss you already.”

While I sat to pee I thought about Leah, remembering that I had not heard back from Sue regarding the finalization of plans for the Baby Shower. I made a mental note to call her sometime today. I knew that Leah’s childbirth classes were going to be starting soon and I had promised to go along with her and Jake. I would have to make sure I scheduled them on my calendar so that Edward would also be aware of them.

Standing up my inner thighs ached and while I washed my hands it dawned on me that I had not participated in any form of exercise since Monday. Even then I was so self-conscious about being watched that I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing. Walking out of the bathroom I figured it would be best to make that little revelation known to Edward. After all, he would see the entries in my journal, and Jane told me that I should not wait to confess a lapse in my responsibilities.

The problem was I didn’t know when would be the best time to bring it up and at the moment he was holding his arms open for me to join him back in bed. Which I gladly did, straddling his hips and looking forward to an early morning romp, but Seth had other ideas.

The poor dog sat on the floor watching every move we made, giving us the saddest eyes. Edward’s lips left mine for a brief moment while his head turned to look at Seth, who whined. “Do you have to go out boy?”

At Edward’s question Seth’s ears raised and he stood looking at the door. With that reaction I whined because I realized our romp just wasn’t meant to happen, at least not at that moment. Edward chuckled at my protest, making me gasp when he swatted by bottom.

“Tender?” he asked while I rolled off him nodding, “mm hm.”

Throwing on my pink night shirt, I followed Edward downstairs starting the coffee while he let Seth out. Taking the last of the eggs, I scoured the fridge then decided on ham and cheese omelets. “We have to shop,” I told him shutting the door.

“I know, we will do it tonight,” he said while pouring two cups of coffee.

“Ohhh…another shopping date.”

“Nothing but the best for you baby.”

I giggled beating the eggs while Edward kissed my temple before putting the bread in the toaster.

Placing the plates on the table I winced again while I sat down, Edward glanced at me from the shopping list he was compiling “That bad? Let me see.”

It is kind of unnerving standing in at the breakfast table and baring your ass. I know that sounds unreasonable, after all Edward has stuck his dick in every orifice I have. I have knelt at his feet and begged him to spank me, yet I found the act of his inspecting my bottom to be intimately embarrassing. Perhaps it was just the context of the situation but my face heated up and I had to bite my lip to keep from squealing.

Edward must have seen my embarrassment because after he pulled the material back down he was grinning. “It’s not bad Bella…” he said while I sat back down, “…I’ll put some more lotion on it after you shower. That’s the difference between using my hand and an implement.”

I must have shown some kind of confusion while taking a bite of eggs because he explained. “My hand conforms to the shape and has some padding that cushions the blow, the brush, or whatever, just hits solidly.”

His words made me think of something, “What else could you use?”

Edward picked up his cup taking a drink before telling me, “The slapper, that has a bit of a sting to it. A paddle, either wooden or leather those cover a larger area and strike solidly. Personally, for strictly pleasure spankings, I prefer my hand.” He got a gleam in his eye then added, “although the hairbrush was fun.”

I could feel the blush race back over my face as I agreed with him. I thought since we were discussing our alternate relationship it would be a good time for me to confess. I wasn’t sure what to call him, so I took the safe route. “I have something to tell you.”

As his eyes met mine I could feel the change in my demeanor. It was like a feeling washed over me and my submissive nature was laid bare before him. The feeling was so strong that I had to lower my eyes in surrender. Edward didn’t say anything instead he waited for me to continue.

“Sir I have not had a proper exercise work out all week.”

He was quiet for a few seconds and I could feel the pressure rising in my chest as I had yet again let him down.

“Isabella look at me,” my eyes met with his dark green ones. “Would you say that this week has been racked with unusual circumstance?”

“Yes Sir,” I would say that was putting it mildly.

Edward pursed his lips and continued to stare into my soul. “I would agree and I would also add that now since you are aware of it that you make sure to correct your actions.”

“Yes Sir,” it was all I could think of to say, but his eyes remained glued to me.

“I appreciate your telling me, that shows growth and maturity, both of which you should be very proud of.” Edward’s eyes left mine for a quick glance over my shoulder before returning.
“Since you are…owning up,” he paused then went on, “… I will give you the choice to pay for your slip ups from last night now or you can choose to wait until tomorrow night during our usual.”

My mouth dropped open as his eyes raised while he waited for my answer. I knew what he was talking about but I sort of thought he was kidding last night when he told me that I would pay for the orgasms. I should have known better than that. He says what he means and means what he says. But before making the decision I wanted to clarify something.

“May I ask a question first?” when he nodded in assent I asked, “Will it matter …if I choose later, will the punishment be worse if I wait?”

“No.” Edward was definite about that. “The only difference is that it will take up our time in the playroom and until then you will be anticipating it. So ask yourself, would it be better to get it over with and out of the way?”

I thought about it and the upheaval I had dealt with in the last few days and decided I didn’t want anything hanging over my head ever again. “I would rather do it now.”

Edward seemed rather pleased with that decision, “Alright…finish eating.”

Was he joking? How the hell was I suppose to finish eating?

But finish I did, when I laid the fork down Edward stood holding his hand out for me to take. Then he walked me over to the door that led down to the playroom, stopping without opening it. “Turn around.”

When I complied he moved behind me rolling up the back of my night shirt once again baring my bottom and causing the same reaction in me. “Hold this up,” Edward placed the rolled material in my hands telling me to lift it higher. Once he was satisfied, I was turned to face the closed door so that my nose was about an inch away from the wood.

“Thighs tight together Isabella.” When I obeyed he seemed pleased, “Ok…You are to stay in this position until the timer beeps. There will be no talking, no moving, and you are to think about why you are standing here.” I could hear him turning the timer, but he didn’t tell me how long it was set for. Placing it on the counter to my right I couldn’t see it, but I heard the ticking.

Edward moved around the room and then a chair nosily slid along the floor letting me know he had sat back down. After standing there for several minutes I was sure of a few things. One Edward was watching me, two the blush that was on my face had spread throughout my whole body, and three when this was over I was definitely going to need a good fucking.

Because I could feel the heat rising in my body, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the attention or the humiliation, but either way the moisture was gathering between my thighs. I tried to think about something else other then Edward’s gaze on me or the way that was making me feel, but I couldn’t. The warmth between my legs was growing to an uncomfortable level and my clit was literally throbbing.

Holy Fuck!

I had to bite my lip to keep from whimpering and my internal muscles tightened involuntarily making me even more uncomfortable, all the while that damn timer ticked away. I took a deep breath closing my eyes and thought about what I did that caused me to be standing there. The way Edward spread my thighs with his elbows, slamming into me hitting that wondrous spot deep inside me.

Oh… I wanted to feel that again...NOW!

I must have moaned out loud because Edward admonished me. “No talking means complete silence.”

The sound of his stern voice did nothing to help me. My body was so worked up it was craving any kind of friction it could find and I had to will my thighs to stay still.

The chair slid across the floor and Edward moved to stand behind me, he was so close I could feel the heat of his body but he didn’t touch me. The thought came to me that he should teach this technique to the army as a way of making enemy prisoners talk because it was fucking torture.

Finally the timer dinged and I breathed out a sigh of relief. Edward’s chest pressed against my back as his hand snaked around my hip and up under the front of my shirt to the juncture between my thighs. I had to lean into his chest for support as his fingers swept through my drenched folds coming back up to rest on my clit where he starting tapping it with his finger.

“Ohhhh…” I cried out in pure need.

“My my Isabella…it would appear that I need to come up with a better punishment, because you seem to have enjoyed that.” The words sounded through my ears as my head rested against his shoulder, while the tapping continued.

“Oh please…please,” I tried to thrust my hips out but I was so close to the door there was nowhere to go. All I could do was whimper and implore him for release.

“Please let…please make me cum…pleeeaaseee…”

“Oh Isabella, I do like when you beg…” I could feel his hard on pressing into the small of my back. “Do you feel what you do to me?”


“Yes…I feel it,” I whimpered as his taps became more forceful, “pleeeeaaasssseee…” I pleaded.

“Answer me one question, were the orgasms still worth it?”

“Yesss…”

“Tell me they were worth it and cum Isabella,” His fingers ceased tapping instead rubbing over the nerve quickly making me scream.

“Yeeesssssss….they were worth it…”

My whole body felt the warmth of the tingle that was sent through me. I don’t know how I stayed on my feet or if Edward held me up, the only thing I knew was it felt so damn good I was numb. The next thing I was aware of was my back pressed up against the door, my thighs were wrapped around his hips and he was sliding inside me.

“Oh…yyyeeesssss…”

I pressed my back and head into the door and tightened my grip around Edward’s neck and held on while thrust his hips and grunted, “Fuck...you feel soooo good.”

My breathing became more erratic as I moaned with each breath that left my mouth. The pressure was building in my stomach and I knew there was no holding back. “pleasseee…pleeasssse…ah...make me cum…please?”

Edward continued the assault on my body groaning and panting out his own pleasure, the muscles in my stomach tightened and I was going to attempt to beg once more when he growled out, “Now!”

On the next stroke I closed my eyes and let the euphoria take me away as I rode out my orgasm. Edward wasn’t very long behind me yelling out my name and crushing his lips to mine. Our tongues moved against one another’s while we swallowed each other’s moans and heavy breaths. We were sweating, breathless and completely sated as his body pressed against mine, keeping me pinned to the door. My eyes flickered open to meet his and a huge smile formed on my face while I spoke through hushed breaths, “Yeah, it was so worth it.”

Edward laughed before kissing me once more. “Ah my Bella,” he whispered up against my lips before slipping out of me with a groan. “What am I going to do with you?”

Standing on my feet I looked up through my lashes into his eyes that were alight with amusement, “Love me. That’s all I want.”

The back of his hand ran down the length of my jaw, “I already do that.”

“Then I don’t need anything else,” my lips spoke the words against his before we kissed once more.

I could have stood there all day kissing Edward, and maybe having some more door banging sex, but he reminded me that the security people were coming. After letting Seth in we went upstairs to shower and dress.

Wrapped in towels I walked down the hall to my own room to get dressed. Edward came in just as I finished drying my hair; he had something in his hand. When I inquired what it was he told me it was the applicator to apply the bands on my nipples. I had forgotten that he wanted me to wear them as part of my Friday night preparations.

The applicator looked like a bulb syringe with a wide blunt tip. He showed me how to place the bands on and then had me practice. It didn’t take very long and by the third time I had the hang of it. He left it on my dresser since I would be sequestered in my room on Friday’s until I join him at six in the kitchen.

I was looking forward to this weekend even though there was a lot happening at the center, Edward could accompany me and we would have the evenings alone. Besides the following two weeks we would be away and even Forks became a better prospect with Edward along.

The thought of Forks reminded me to call Sue. She apologized for not returning my call last week, but apparently she had been able to get a hold of Kim. She agreed that we didn’t have much more time to wait and I should send out the invitations and we would figure out sleeping arrangements later. I told her about Edward’s offer to have people stay here if necessary; either way we would find room for everyone. I made a mental note to remember the invitations when I went to get my things from the house.

The doorbell rang as I was walking down the steps with Seth at my heels. Edward escorted a casually dressed man in his late fifties into the dining room. After being introduced to Jason I offered him something to drink then went to the kitchen to start a fresh pot of coffee. By the time it was finished and I had joined them he and Edward were already discussing the pros and cons of each system.

I assured Edward that he definitely wanted the one with a battery backup and preferably one that charged itself. He also wanted to make sure that he bought the system not rented it, that way it could be sold with the house and also if this particular company went out of business he would not have to pay to reinstall. We both listened to the specs for the security cameras and while Jason was talking I made another mental note to call my own company and have them installed.

The last thing Jason wanted to do was take a walk through the house to take measurements and to see the best places to mount the alarms. I cleaned up while Edward walked him around the house and out into the garage.

When they came down from upstairs I went up to get my bag ready to take for yoga class. When I came down the steps Jason was gathering all his paperwork together. Telling Edward that the technicians would be back tomorrow for installation. He shook my hand before leaving sneering at me in a way that made me uncomfortable. Edward cleared his throat but Jason just smiled at him and then half heartedly apologized.

After Jason was gone Edward’s solemn face turned toward me, “I’m sorry about that Bella, there is an entrance door in the back of the playroom, and I had to take him in there.”

Oh…now it made sense. I didn’t get to say anything because Edward sighed, “I could call and cancel the contract but no matter who comes out here, I’m afraid that they are all going to think the same way…”

“That I’m a whore and he could fuck me if he wanted to, probably with your approval.” I wasn’t angry with Edward or with Jason for that matter. To the general public that is the stereotype of a submissive woman, it is just rude to have it happen in your own home.

Edward smirked, “yeah, I’m sure that is what he thought…” I wanted to change the subject.

“So you are taking me out tonight for a big night on the town of grocery shopping. Then what’s the plan? Because I have another movie we could watch.”

Edward pulled me into his arms, “Is it scary?” I shook my head at him while he added, “Ok, we can get something easy for dinner …”

“SpaghettiOs …?” I suggested excitedly, while Edward’s face turned to one of horror.

“No…Bella, I don’t think SpaghettiOs is on your food list. We can however make real spaghetti.”

I sighed pouting, “It’s not the same thing.”

“I agree with you, it’s a thousand times better.” I knew I wasn’t going to win so I agreed with the regular spaghetti thene he kissed me goodbye and I left for the center.

Carol had her hands full at the center, a new client came in last night and she was trying to get her settled as well as working with the hotline volunteers. I went to introduce myself to the woman, who told me her name was Heather.

I couldn’t see any visible scars on her, but that didn’t surprise me, men always seem to know where to hit so that they are concealed. I didn’t want to bombard her with more questions, and I didn’t want to get a rapport with her when I was going to be gone for the next two weeks. I would wait for my ladies to come in and then let one of them be assigned to Heather.

Twenty minutes later I was laughing and joking with the girls while drinking coffee and eating the brownies that Sherry had brought in. We were all catching up talking about each other’s lives and what was happening at the center. The major topic of conversation was my daring rescue of Sally, the addition of Carlisle to the staff, and of course my love life.

Apparently the women who live at the center have been talking quite a bit about my ‘dancing partner’ and they all seem very interested in meeting him. I was beginning to rethink having Edward accompany me to the events this weekend. Although, if I did that their curiosity would only increase and then Lord only knows how they will act when they finally did meet him.

While we were cleaning up Jean pulled me to the side telling me she would work with Heather. I was glad about that, Jean herself was a survivor and does really good work. Before we left I reminded them that I would be away but that I could be reached on my cell in case of emergency. I stopped by Carol’s on my way out to say good-bye and let her know Jean was going to be talking to Heather.

Carol looked up from the paperwork on her desk, “How are you doing girl? You look a lot better then you did.”

I sat down across from her, “I’m good, much better thank-you.”

“Good. Oh and by the way you were right, Carlisle’s wife Esme is a lovely woman.” I smiled then asked the question that I have been wondering about.

“When did she sign up to volunteer?”

Carol thought for a second. “Two maybe three weeks ago, it was right after Mother’s Day. She actually has some background in this field.”

“You mean with Fund Raising?” I knew Esme headed charity balls but I got the feeling Carol was talking about something else, whatever it was she wasn’t giving anything away.

“Well now Miss Bella, you have your confidentiality and so do I.”

I smiled smugly, “But I have access to inside information.”

Carol leaned forward and smiled, “Do you honestly think he is going to use his mother as pillow talk?”

I gasp in shock then giggled, “You know that’s not all we do and we have real conversations.”

She sat back in her chair, “Such a pity, wasting a man like that on talking!” the word left her mouth like it was something dirty and then she laughed. Between the words and the sour look on her face I couldn’t help but laugh with her.

“What’s so funny?” Gail was standing at the door but I didn’t get a chance to answer before Carol’s face became serious once again while she explained.

“Oh Gail, our wayward girl here, she’s wasting part of her dance card on having conversations.”

Gail got a confused look on her face as she sat down in the other chair. “What?..”

I was going to explain but I didn’t get a chance to because Gail looked me in the eye before she went on “…Bella, take the advice of someone who is older and wiser. There will be plenty of time for talking when he’s wrinkly and can’t get it up …”

Oh my god! She did not just say that?

“Or keep it up!” Carol interrupted while Gail commented, “that too.”

She turned back to my stunned face before continuing “The point is, now is the time to be Dancing the Night Away” As she said the words Gail’s shoulders moved like she was dancing while Carol laughed and I giggled.

“Oh my word…you two are terrible!” I added with a giggle and standing up I said good-bye, going to my office while they continued to talk.

As I was leaving loud laughter came from Carol’s area and I shook my head smiling because I knew they were continuing their sex talk and I hoped they behaved themselves not embarrassing me too much over the weekend. I couldn’t fault them, they were women and I knew they only wanted to see me happy.

After yoga I didn’t change back into my regular clothes and when I pulled into Edward’s driveway there was a white delivery truck taking up the majority of space. I thought maybe somehow the security company was able to come out early to do the installation but when I went in the house Edward and two other men were coming down the stairs.

The two strangers smiled in greeting while Edward pulled me in for a hug. “Hey babe, give me a second,” Edward then opened his wallet handing each man a bill before showing them to the door.

“Come on” he took my hand pulling me up the stairs and into his room where against the wall by the bathroom door was my new high boy dresser.

“How did you get it here so fast?” I knew how long it takes to get a delivery

“They had it in stock and I paid extra for speedy delivery.” I turned my head to look at him.

“Does this mean I don’t get my own room anymore? How am I going to tell you to go Fuck yourself?” It sounded silly but I didn’t know how it was going to work, Edward grinned wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Something tells me, that if you need to tell me that it won’t matter what room we are in…” then he added with a fair warning, “…just don’t do it during our usual.”

I twisted in his arms to face him, placing a kiss on his chin, “Well…thank you. It will be nice to have my own clothes in here. But seriously how will it work?”

The whole idea behind my room was to have a place where I could go for some down-time. I thought about Jane and what she said about her room and how it was her choice to give it up. I didn’t want to give up the one place where I could go to unwind or be free from all the rituals and protocol.

“I was thinking on Wednesdays and Fridays you come home to retreat to your room as we had discussed. During the rest of the weekend we could add another safe-word that would tell me you need some down time…”

“What word?”

Edward smiled looking down into my eyes.

“It’s your word…you decide.” I thought for a second but nothing came to mind, Edward must have seen my dilemma. “You have until tomorrow night to tell me Bella.”

Edward released his hold on me, “As I was saying, you will still use your room on the weekends, because remember, you sleep in my bed by invitation and consent.”

Oh yeah I had forgotten that, probably because the only time I slept in my bed Edward was with me, but I suppose it is always a possibility. In any case I didn’t want to give up my room or the freedom it represented, not now and probably not ever.

I loved Jane, she was becoming a dear friend and confidant, but personally I didn’t understand how she could give up so much of herself. I knew that people lived in a twenty-four seven relationship but I also knew it was not for me. I don’t even think I would enjoy trying something like that out.

The thought of Jane made me remember my conversation with her yesterday and the fact that I had not cataloged it in my journal. She had said something about using my journal as a reference; I didn’t understand what she meant by that so I would have to make a point to have her clarify.

“Are you ready to go?”

I nodded then asked, “Can we stop by my house first, so I get the stuff to fill this bad boy,” I patted the top of the dresser.

Walking around my house there wasn’t much I needed other than clothes. Edward helped pack up the two suitcases then I took some personal items from the bathroom, tampons, a few medications that I have on hand and some hair clips. Looking around my bedroom the only thing I wanted was a few personal pictures and my jewelry box. The last things I took were the invitations along with my address book, my passport and the envelope that contained the papers from my mother’s estate.

I ended up throwing out all the perishables in the refrigerator, and Edward eyed me when I took the two cans of SpaghettiOs out of the cupboard. “I like them and it’s good for a quick lunch.”

While I got a few more items for Seth he picked up the can reading the nutrition label. I was waiting for the comment to come but Edward just shook his head and put the can back in the bag. It felt strange locking up my house knowing that I would not be back for at least two weeks. Edward wanted me to change the code for the locks, but I drew a blank as to what sequence to use so I decided that would wait.

I had shopped with Edward before, however at the time I was busy getting my own things. So although I knew that he only got what was on his list, I hadn’t really noticed that he examines every item for dates and content. It was getting frustrating because all I cared about was if my coupons were any good. He didn’t understand my need for chocolate chip cookie dough and I didn’t understand his need for organic eggs.

“It’s the way the chickens are cared for Bella.”

That didn’t make any sense to me.

“The egg still comes out of its ass; they can’t do anything to the egg. I think it’s all a conspiracy to be able to charge twice as much for the same damn eggs.”

We had to agree to disagree on that point because we were definitely at an impasse. Edward refuses to buy meat from the grocery store, so I was surprised when he picked a huge Oven Stuffed Roaster.

“That’s a big chicken, are you going to feed an army?”

“No not an army, but we are having company on Monday for dinner and I thought the chicken would be a good choice.”

“You can’t go wrong with chicken, but who is coming?” That was the first I’d heard of guests coming and I don’t remember seeing it on the calendar, so when he didn’t answer right away I started to worry and then asked, “Do I know them?”

“Yes you do. Aro and Jane are coming. He wants to go over everything for Emmet and me before we go away so that it’s done and he goes on vacation.”

“Oh…so are Emmett and Rose going to be there too?” Edward nodded and I asked, “and when were you going to tell me this?”

“I just found out earlier today, I would have let you know or at least wrote it on the calendar.”

I started thinking about what would go good with the chicken and thought about Sue’s corn pie, it was easy to make and everyone liked it, so I suggested it to Edward. He had never heard of it but was willing to try, so while we were there I got the things I would need along with the ingredients for turtle pie.

As we were unloading the cart, Edward got a worried look on his face that I didn’t understand. He finally stopped what he was doing coming close to me. “Bella, I don’t want to argue about who pays for what and I don’t want you to feel kept. So I’ll pay this time and you pay the next, is that acceptable?”

I looked into his worried eyes and smiled, “that’s fine.”

Edward gave me a quick kiss before we went back to finish what we were doing. I watched him unloading the produce and toilet paper and when everything was on the belt I had a moment to think about what he had just said. I knew it seemed like a simple concept and yet the gesture behind it meant more to me then he could ever know.

The other day I was an irrational female screaming at him about not being his whore or a woman who was so destitute that she needed to be taken care of. Edward not only took my outrageous behavior in stride he also took my words to heart. My feelings were important to him; I was a person who deserved his respect, not just the woman he fucked. As the thoughts ran through my mind I smiled to myself because once again our see-saw was balanced.