Mine

Mine
A riding crop and a blindfold doesn't make it BDSM. There is a big difference between being kinky and being in the scene. It's not a sexual thing to me, it's a very spiritual thing. ~ DominaBlue

3/24/11

Chapter 24

BPOV

I walked into my room at Edward’s house kicked off my shoes and laid down on the bed. Edward was downstairs taking care of Seth, the poor dog had been in the house since this morning and although he was happy to see us, he was even happier to be let outside to do his business. I came up here with the sole purpose of taking a shower, but at that moment all I wanted to do was lie there and relax.

Edward was right, I had an extraordinary day. He had asked me in the car if I was sure that I wanted to proceed with our evening as planned. I didn’t know how to explain it to him, but there was a part in me that was so looking forward to our time together that I would be disappointed if it didn’t happen.

It wasn’t just the time I would spend with Edward, because I had no doubt in my mind that if I agreed to postpone our usual, and instead opt to just lie in bed all night, that I would be wrapped in his arms. So the desire to be in the playroom had a deeper meaning. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but somewhere deep down inside of me, I knew that after the day I had the best place for me to find solace was in my submission to my Master. And as I lie there that realization both excited and scared the hell out of me.

“I thought you were going to shower?” I opened my eyes to see Edward standing by the bed; I hadn’t even heard him come in.

“I am, I just needed a minute.” He held out a glass of wine for me and after I took it, he pulled the chair from the desk over and sat down, gazing at me while I sat on the edge of the bed.

“Tell me what happened today.” It wasn’t a request and even though I was in my room, I felt the need to explain.

“When I got to the center this morning, Carol told me that over the weekend one of the hotline people gave out my personal number. They are not suppose to do that, ever. But I wasn’t too upset; all anyone can do is call me because nothing can be traced to my home.” That was one of the perks of having a PO Box. Edward was quiet so after I took a sip I continued.

“Sally called my cell phone; I guess she is the one who was given my number. Anyway she said that her and the kids left and were at a neighbor’s house. I told her to call a cab and I would pay when she got to the center. Because they have to come on their own, we have paid cab fare many times, but we are not to go and get them.” That was rule number one and why Carol was so upset with me.

“So why didn’t she call a cab?”

I took a deep breath knowing he was not going to like what I had to say. “She couldn’t walk because of her ankle and she was too far away.”

“Where was she?”

I sighed and took another sip before I answered, “She was in Yelm.”

“What?” Yeah, he was not happy about that at all. “You drove all the way to Yelm?”

My eyes dropped to the floor and I could feel my teeth biting into my bottom lip.

“Bella?”

His stern voice made me look up into his eyes. “Yes Edward, I drove to Yelm. It’s only an hour away.”

He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “If you made it to Yelm in an hour then you must have been driving like a bat out of hell.” Edwards’s eyes were dark and I was very glad that we were having this conversation in my room. I did what I felt I had to do, and if given the same situation I would do it again.

“It took me longer to get back.” I thought I would let him know that.

“Why was that Bella?”

“I was trying to be careful not to bounce around too much because Sally was in so much pain; and the kid’s were only in seatbelts.”

Edward’s mouth dropped open. “You took the children in your car without proper car seats?” He voice escalated and I took another drink looking in his eyes and nodding my head once. He was there when I arrived; did he see any damn car seats? I didn’t ask that question though he was upset enough with me at the moment.

“And what would have happened had you been pulled over?”

I shrugged and then told him, “I would have explained what happened, what I was doing, and given my father’s name, title, and phone number.” Yes, I was not above using my father to get out of a quandary. Edward was shocked; he sat there with a gaping mouth, blinking rapidly.

“What?” I didn’t understand why he was so stunned. “Are you telling me that you never used your father’s connections to get quicker medical attention or a favor?”

“Bella, that’s different. I’m not breaking the law or putting myself and others in danger.”

I thought about that before answering. “It was more dangerous for her and the kids to stay.”

“And how about the danger you put yourself in? What if her husband would have been there?” His eyes grew dark and his voice demanding, “and why wasn’t your phone on?”

Oh shit. I had worried myself about the possibility that her husband might be there, but Sally assured me that he was not, and since she was at a neighbor’s house I figured that he wouldn’t show up either and I told that to Edward.

“The phone Bella.” I could see him trying to rein in his anger, and I knew that if we had been anywhere else but in this room, I would have been Isabella at that moment.

“I turned it off.”

“You…,” Edward didn’t get to finish his statement because I continued to explain.

“On the way back, Sally was upset and we were talking and the phone kept ringing and interrupting us, so I turned it off.”

He sat there with his head down, running his hand through his hair for what seemed like forever before his eyes finally met mine again and he released a long sigh.

“Bella…,” Edward sighed again, “I’m going to give you one more chance to just stay in this room and relax tonight. I’ll bring your dinner up here; we’ll take a long bath and watch TV.”

I knew what he was saying; I understood that once I walked out my door, I was totally his submissive and I would be held responsible for my actions. The thing was that regardless of whether it was tonight or tomorrow I knew that I would be punished, and if he was going to have me write a ten-thousand word essay on the merits of safe driving or phone usage I would rather just get it over with. Besides, I needed to feel the security of my Master’s attention, even if at the moment my Master was displeased with me. I didn’t get to answer because Edward stood and walked to the door.

“I’ll tell you what Bella, you think about it. If you’re not in the kitchen at six o’clock I’ll join you up here. If you decide to go on with our usual, then bring your journal to the kitchen wearing only a robe and make sure your hair is completely dry.” He raised his eyebrows silently asking if I understood.

“Alright.” After my answer he huffed, shook his head, and left my room. Leaving me there to contemplate my options, but my mind was already made up.

Five minutes before six I walked into the kitchen with dry hair, wearing my pink silky robe, and carrying my journal - Edward wasn’t there. The back door was open and the unmistakable smell of food grilling was wharfing through. I went outside standing behind Edward and waited for him to acknowledge my presence. It seemed like a long time, but in reality it was only a few minutes before he turned from the grill to face me.

“Good evening Isabella.” When I looked in his eyes the irritation that was evident before was replaced with an eerie calmness that made my stomach clinch and I had to swallow hard before I could answer.

“Good evening Master.”

“I wasn’t a hundred percent sure you would be down, so I did not set the table, please do so now.”

“Yes Sir,” I busied myself with the task, taking extra time to fold the napkins into little pockets so I could place the utensils inside of them. I had just put my journal in front of his place setting when Edward came in carrying a plate. As I presented myself, I could see that he had skewers of grilled prawns and scallops and to my embarrassment my stomach growled.

“When is the last time you ate Isabella?”

“This morning Sir.”

The annoyance was back on his face. “Then I am very glad that I forced you to stay in bed, or you might not have eaten all day.” I didn’t say anything and he demanded, “Sit!”

I took my place and Edward brought over a bowl of rice pilaf and fresh beans to go along with the seafood and tossed salad. When he finally sat down he placed a red pen on top of the journal and ordered me to eat.

The food was good; he had marinated the prawns and scallops in a lemon butter sauce that gave it just the right amount of flavor without being over powering. The conversation was not so good, because there was none, not one word - not even a sigh, and the tension was beginning to make me edgy. I kept looking at him hoping he would say something, but he didn’t even acknowledge that I was there, and it became increasingly harder for me to continue eating. But I knew that if I didn’t it would just add to his irritation with me.

Finally, near the end of the meal, Edward picked up my journal and as he construed it, he used his red pen. I thought maybe he was correcting my spelling or something, but he never turned the page. When he was done he closed the book with the pen inside and laid it back where it was on the table before turning his dark eyes to mine. It was at that moment I was rethinking my decision to meet him in the kitchen, and had I the chance I would have ran back up to my room.

He inclined his head toward my plate, “are you done?”

“Yes Sir?” It came out like a question, because even though I didn’t think I could have eaten one more bite, I wanted to make sure that he was satisfied with my meal.

“Very well, go to the playroom and prepare yourself.” That was it; that was all he said, and with each step I took down the stairs and closer to the door, the queasiness in my stomach grew.

The atmosphere in the playroom didn’t do much to help calm me. Most of the room was dark, the only two dimly lit areas were the one immediately inside the door where my mat was waiting for me, then over to the left by the media equipment there was a black comforter on the floor in front of one of the chairs with the small round side table sitting next to it.
Edward didn’t tell me how much time I had and I figured he was in no mood to be messing around, so I moved quickly into the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth. When I came out I threw the robe I was wearing into my closet closing the door then went to kneel on my mat, taking a mental inventory of my position. I readjusted several times, never feeling comfortable and as I closed my eyes to focus on my breathing I realized what was missing, there was no music playing.

Each time I had been in the playroom there had always been soft meditating music in the background. I wondered if it was an oversight on Edward’s part or if he had done it on purpose to keep me more on edge? I squirmed a little more, the waiting and anticipation making me restless. What was taking him so long? Breathe Bella, breathe. I focused once more on my breathing and position finally beginning to calm myself; that was, until Edward entered the room.

I heard the movement of the door and I could sense his presence, and even more than that I could feel his eyes on me, but he didn’t move. Seconds, minutes, hours might have passed -- I had no idea. I wanted so badly to see his face and it took all my resolve to stay in position. Every part of me was screaming to just turn around and tell him how sorry I was that I caused him so much worry. That I had made a rash decision without considering the consequences, ask him to yell or scream to do something, because anything would be better than the silence.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as Edward moved to stand in front of me, but he still remained quiet, and I broke. The tears formed in my eyes and slowly ran down my cheeks. They weren’t tears of fear, they were of remorse; I had driven him to the point where he was so upset with me that he would not even talk to me.

“Tears? Are they for true regret or just edginess?”

They were actually a little bit of both, but mostly from regret. I raised my head in an attempt to peek at him.

“Keep your head down and don’t look at me.” I immediately complied, waiting, while he went back to holding me in an agitated gaze.

“So which is it Isabella regret or anxiety? Speak!” Edward demanded.

“Master your girl is very sorry, she regrets causing you worry by driving so far.”

He huffed, “Driving? On your list of rules I don’t remember driving long distances as one of your regulations. Don’t get me wrong Isabella, I’m not very pleased about the fact that you drove so far alone, and I certainly am not happy that you made it there in an hour. That means you not only put yourself at risk, but everyone else who happened to be on the road with you today. That was reckless and dangerous and had it just been driving we would not be having this discussion right now.” Edward grew quiet for a few seconds before he continued.

“So tell me again Isabella, what exactly my girl is sorry for?”
I thought for a second but still wasn’t sure what he was talking about, I don’t know if it was out of impatience or if Edward was truly trying to help me because he asked, “What rule did my girl completely disregard today that caused me so much worry?”

Then I knew exactly what he was talking about.

“She is sorry for turning off her phone.” My voice was small and quiet, but he heard me.

“Yes, that is what caused me the needless worry. Your actions were callous and inconsiderate to not only me but also to Carol, my father, and anyone else who cares about your welfare. By simply answering the phone one time all of the alarm could have been avoided. But no, you consciously choose to just walk all over our concern for your well being.”

I didn’t think of it like that and as he spoke, I couldn’t help but feel bad for my behavior. I should have answered the phone, told them where I was.

“Carol was so concerned that she had my father call me. I had no clue where you were and I couldn’t reach you on the phone, in fact your phone is still off.” He’s right, it was, I hadn’t turned it back on and as I knelt there I wondered who else might have been trying to get in touch with me. If it was Leah, she would be frantic, which I suppose is exactly how Edward felt, that thought brought on a fresh round of tears.

“This cannot happen again. Your phone is not ever to be turned off. I don’t care where you are, what you are doing, or who you are with. Your phone will remain on and charged at all times. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Sir,” I answered quickly through a sniffle.

“Sit, with your legs stretched out.” I wasn’t exactly sure I heard him correctly so I hesitated.

“Now Isabella.”

I moved quickly to sit flat on my bottom while Edward walked behind and brought over a folding chair which he sat on in front of me.

“Give me your right foot.”

Again I hesitated, but not because I didn’t understand, but because I was unsure what he was going to do and I was slightly scared. I could feel my stomach fluttering from the anxiety and my face felt tingly as I slowly lifted my foot into the air.

Edward grasped it, lifting it higher so it was level with his waist. I still didn’t look into his eyes but I watched as he pulled a black permanent marker from the pocket of his shirt and proceeded to write on the bottom of my foot.

When he was done, he put my foot back on the floor and told me to look at him. When I did his eyes were dark, glassy, and filled with grief, and I gasped as new tears formed from the realization that I was the cause of his anguish.

“You are not to scrub that off; it will wear off on its own in a few days. Now, look at it.” Edward inclined his head and I bent my knee to see what he wrote. I bit my lip wondering why he wrote his name on the bottom of my foot. When I met his eyes again he continued to explain.

“Maybe this will remind you of how insensitive you were to my feelings today and with each step you take you can remember whose concern for your safety you completely disregarded. Besides, the way I figure it, if you are going to walk all over me you might as well do it with my permission.”

Oh my god! For the next few days, every time I take a step it’s like I’m walking on him, hurting him. I looked back down at my foot and my fingers ran over the letters.

“Your girl is so sorry Master,” I said through tears. “She wasn’t thinking,” I sniffled then added shaking my head, “she didn’t realize.”

Edward’s hand cupped my chin, making me look at him. “That’s the problem Isabella, you didn’t think. Now you can think about that,” he inclined his head toward my foot. My eyes dropped, I didn’t want to see the disappointment in his eyes anymore.

Edward stood and walked back behind me again. “Kneel, Isabella.” As I did he stood back in front of me handing me my journal. When I looked down it was opened to the page where I recorded my daily activities. There were numbers circled in red in every box that kept track of my food intake.

“I did not give you a specific calorie intake for the hell of it, I expect it to be followed. If you do not fuel your body with sufficient nutrition then you will become weak and unhealthy. Which once again, besides yourself, you are hurting me.” He stopped talking as I looked over all the red circles. I hadn’t realized that there was so much missing from my diet.

“I expect by next week at this time that you will have that problem corrected. Your sleep is also inadequate; I expect that to be improved upon also. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Master.”

Edward took my journal, “come Isabella.”

When he took my hand to help steady me I was careful to place my weight on my toes. I didn’t like the idea of walking on Edward and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to keep from doing it for the next few days. He led me over to where he had the chair set up in front of the media equipment. There was some kind of a wide leather belt, a red rope and a black one lying over the top of the chair.

Edward picked up the black rope first. I watched as he matched up the two ends before sliding his hands along the length until he found the middle section. “Hands at your side”

When I complied he stepped behind me and wrapped the length around me right above my breasts meeting the ends in the middle of my back. He then proceeded to secure my arms to my body with six or seven circles of rope. Finally feeding the ends through the space where my arms laid against my torso closing in the gap and pulling my arms in tighter to my body. Edward cris-crossed the rope on my back and again between my breasts, wrapping several circles underneath, before finally tying a knot directly in the center of my chest.

The binding wasn’t tight and the rope was soft and with every tug and pull I felt more at ease until I realized I was standing flat on my feet; I shuffled to place most of my weight on the left foot, while I lifted the right one. Edward raised an eyebrow at me. He knew what my problem was but he didn't say anything about it.

Edward then picked up the wide leather belt, “raise your hands in the air.” When I did he wrapped it around my waist buckling it in the front. He took each of my hands and secured them in the straps that were attached to the belt on the sides of my waist. He checked all the restraints making sure that nothing was too tight or restricting my circulation, and when he was satisfied he had me lean over the arm of the chair.

I didn’t know what he was doing, and in one swift move he slid a very well-lubed butt plug into me making me gasp in surprise.

“Ok, come lie down.”

He had to help me because I didn’t have the use of my arms, and once I was where he wanted me he started working with the red rope.

I watched Edward carefully wrap several circles around my upper thigh then around my ankle before attaching it to a hook in the floor. He then brought the end up to feed through the black rope under my breast before repeating the process on the other leg. My feet were flat, my knees were up, and my thighs were very open.

Edward walked over to the cabinet and came back with the crop and a long silver stick. He sat down in the chair that faced me; his form was directly between my legs. He tilted his head as his eyes roamed over my body and then he smirked.

“I really like the look of that plug. I didn’t show it to you, look at the screen.” I turned my head to the side and there I was, I don’t know how he was zooming in, but the full focus became the ruby red jewel that laid flat against my rear opening. “Do you like it?”

“Yes Master, it’s pretty.” It was too.

“Hmmm…pretty? Yes it is, I have a blue one that is larger, we are going to work up to that very soon.” He sighed and then gave me my instructions.

“It’s a movie night Isabella; that means we relax and watch the video from previous sessions. We will be doing this from time to time. This is the edited version of both sessions from last week. You are not to take your eyes off the screen, you are not to orgasm, and do not struggle in your restraints. Focus on the security you feel in your bonds, force yourself to relax into them and let that help to keep you composed and under control. This is a learned skill Isabella, and one you must master.”

Edward has told me several times about learning to control myself and this exercise didn’t sound too tough. I actually felt very comfortable and when I focused on my breathing and allowed my muscles to relax, I found that I was very content in my restraints. Edward pressed the button on the remote and the screen lit up; I was waiting for sound, but there was none, it was just us. He zoomed in so the only image on the screen was me; my hands were secured to the ceiling and Edward was using the flogger on me.

My mind was so engrossed at what was happening on the screen that it startled me when I felt something sliding into me. Edward sighed out his unhappiness at my reaction and I mentally cursed myself for having that kind of response. I know I was still new to all this, but honestly, I should have been expecting something.

I relaxed again, having no reaction when he slid the dildo all the way inside if me and began moving it; I could see his hand moving from the corner of my eye but he was still sitting leisurely in the chair. When his hand drew back again, I could see something shiny and I figured he had somehow attached the silver stick to the dildo.

As I continued watching the screen I was fascinated by what I saw. I could see the way I responded to the flogging and I looked like I was getting lost in the sensation of the leather hitting my skin, reaching and practically begging for another strike. That fact registered in my mind as erotically strange, I never thought of myself as a masochist and I wondered if that was what I really was?

Edward’s question brought me out of my conjecture. “Do you see Isabella, how your body craves more?”

I did see it, and that was something I was going to have to think about. I told him so.

“Yes Master, your girl sees,” my voice was shallow and I could feel my body responding now to the attention Edward was giving me as the toy inside me began to pick up speed. I think I would have been alright had he not slid the leather of the crop along the inside of my thigh. The heat in my body was building, and when the first slap hit over my clit I moaned out in pleasure and need.

“Keep watching.”

It was beginning to get harder to stay focused, but I again relaxed and let everything around me slip away; and then the sound came on. The moans of pleasure that were escaping my mouth on the screen turned to pants and outright begging for more. The sound of my pleas became another form of stimulation and as much as possible my hips started to move.

“Isabella, hold still and relax.” His stern voice warned with a harsh slap of the crop on my inner thigh. How the hell am I supposed to relax when I am watching myself on the screen? All this stimulation occurring at one time was beginning to get to me. Edward sighed, paused the video, and removed the toy from inside of me.

“Ok, we are going to do this exercise again; and we will do it all night if we have to.”

I felt bad that I was unable to stay still and disengaged.

“Use your relaxation breathing from yoga. Let your eyes see, your body feel, but put most of your focus on the feel of your restraints and stay unhindered by anything else. Control Isabella, keep yourself under control,” he suggested with a warning.

When he restarted the video, I went into my deep breathing, and this time when he inserted the dildo into me I didn’t even flinch; and as Edward moved the crop over my body, slapping at various places, I found that I was able to detach myself from the sensations. That was until I saw myself orgasm on the screen and watched as Edward lifted me and filled me with himself. Then all I could think about was having him inside of me.

Edward must have seen my reaction because he stopped the movement of the dildo; my muscles still clenched around it and I wanted so badly to be able to orgasm at that moment.

“Calm yourself Isabella, you’re doing very well, don’t lose your composure now.”

I took a few deep breaths getting myself under control. I know it sounds stupid, but at that moment I was more interested in pleasing Edward than I was in my own release, and I knew that I could gain self satisfaction by being pleasing to him. As the Friday session started on the screen all I wanted to do was what he had asked of me.

Edward completely removed the dildo as I watched myself struggle to gain composure on the screen. I wasn’t paying attention to what he was doing, I was too engrossed with what was occurring on the video. I felt something at my entrance and I forced myself to remain relaxed and quiet. This one was larger and was like a rabbit with an extension that stimulated my clit.

“Don’t you loose that,” Edward warned as he stood and used the edge of the crop to circle my nipples making them pucker and stand more erect. Then he proceeded to quickly flip the leather back and forth across them. I knew he was watching me and I struggled to keep my breathing even and my body under control.

“Very good Isabella, let’s move it up a notch shall we?” I didn’t respond, I wasn’t sure if I was suppose to or not, but I got my answer with a stern rebuke.

“Isabella, I asked you a question and I expect an answer.”

“Yes Master, take it up a notch.” I did so wish I could look at his face, but he was standing behind me and my instructions were to keep my eyes on the screen, so that’s what I did. I felt Edwards’s hands on my breast, and then something like a suction cup was attached to each nipple. He squeezed something and they began to vibrate, and then the toy between my legs also started to hum.

I focused on my breathing as I watched my body curl in on itself on the screen and then Edward began to rub the crop over my body flicking the underside of my breasts and stomach before moving down to my thighs.

I was working really hard at staying in control, focusing my attention on the feel of the rope around my chest and the thick band of leather around my wrist. I was spacing out, just letting the feel of all the stimulation happen; and I found in my mind I was looking, waiting, anticipating where the next strike would occur so I could feel the warmth of the sting.

“Don’t you dare orgasm!” Edward warned in a menacing voice.

How he knew that I fighting off the beginnings of an orgasm made my mind focus once again on the bindings around my body.

“Keep watching the screen.” The focus was only on my face and I could see myself struggle to keep in check, and I wondered if that was what I looked like now? My internal muscles were clenched so tightly I was afraid if I let go that I would lose the grip I had on the toy inside me along with whatever control I had over the rest of my body. Edward’s voice brought me back.

“Tell me what you said here.”

I didn’t know what he was talking about until I saw myself throw my head back and scream out in Quileute. “Master I…,”

“Who?” he asked abruptly.

“Your girl screamed out curses,” I took a deep breath trying to keep myself together, Edward hit one of suctions on my nipple making it pop off and I whimpered sucking in a breath.

“What else, Isabella?”

I needed to swallow to get my voice, “She said – ‘so fucking good, it feels so fucking good.’”

“Ahhh, and do you feel like that now Isabella? If I allowed you, would you cum?” As he said this he popped the suction thing off my other nipple.

“Yes Sir,” I said as I sucked in air, while he ran that crop over my very sensitive breasts.

“Hmmm, too bad that is not going to happen. Not tonight anyway.”

The screen went black but the sound remained on and all I could hear were my cries of pleasure while I withered there on the floor.

“I believe that you need more of a reminder of who you belong to, and that your life is no longer your own. Your orgasms are mine to give or to withhold, and as long as one mark remains on your foot, they will be withheld.” With that said he reached down to remove the dildo from my body making me sigh partly in relief and partly in frustration.

I watched Edward remove his shirt and unbutton the top of his pants while he brought over a pillow which he placed under my head before removing his jeans and straddling my face. I opened my mouth to swirl my tongue over the head of his dick once, before sucking him into my mouth.

“Ahhh….that’s my girl.” Edward wasn’t taking it slow, and as he began to pump in and out of my mouth, I sucked and lapped on his shaft. “You’re the only one who can bring me pleasure Isabella. Just you.”

As his words registered in my brain I used more of my tongue moving it along his underside as he withdrew and more suction when he reentered. “Oh, Isabella, yes…just like that.”

His words were creating a fire in my soul and I was beginning to think how lucky I was to be the only one who could taste the essence of his seed. That thought made me more conscious of what I was doing and the groans of pleasure that were coming from Edward. At that moment it didn’t matter that I couldn’t orgasm, it was more important to me to make him have his release and let him finish inside of me. Taking his pleasure from me in whatever method he so choose.

I could feel his dick twitch in my mouth and I knew that he was close. I tried to suck him in deeper so he could cum in the back of my throat, but he abruptly pulled away, grasping his dick and came all over my neck. I looked up at him, his eyes were closed and his face was relaxed. When Edward opened his eyes he looked into mine and seeing the confusion there he explained.

“When your nutrition is as it should be, then you can have the privilege of me finishing inside your mouth.”

I couldn’t help the tears that filled my eyes, or the sob that escaped my throat. At that moment I felt completely unworthy, and he could have slapped my face and it would have caused me less pain then his words just did.

He moved quickly to release my legs, stretching them and rubbing the area where the ropes had been. Next came my wrists, and then finally my arms were free and I was sitting on Edward’s lap in the chair. He was running his hands down my back in a soothing manor while I cried on his shoulder.

“Shhh…stop the tears.” I sniffled trying to bring myself under control again as he cupped my chin to make me look at him.

“Listen to me,” I focused on the movement of his lips as he spoke, “I told you that my rules are not something that I play around with. I also told you that I would not enjoy having to punish you, because it will hinder my enjoyment of you. Now it is what it is, take the punishment and learn from it; so we do not have to have this discussion ever again.”

I nodded at his words, because I just didn’t know what to say. I felt so wretched, like I had let him down in such a big way, and I wondered how long this last consequence was going to continue? I didn’t ask him, I just let him lead me into the bathroom to take a shower. It was a very quiet shower and when we were done, Edward handed me a robe telling me to go to bed.

He didn’t invite me to sleep in his bed, so I went to my own room curling up in the soft comfy chair with a blanket laid over my body and my journal in my hands. I was finding it therapeutic to spill my heart and soul out in words. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that in the back of my mind I knew Edward would eventually read it. Maybe it just a way for me to vent; either way, I found a reprieve from all the emotions and feelings of inadequacy that I carried.

I had cried myself out while spilling my guts, and I must have fallen asleep in the chair because the next thing I knew Edward was putting me to bed and turning out the light. When he left the room I had so wanted to scream out for him to stay, but I didn’t think he would. There, in the darkened room, a feeling loneliness erupted inside me and I cried.




I don’t have a lot to say. Just a few shout outs.
To everyone who is reading my story. Thank you
To those of you who leave a comment. Mega Thank you. Your ideas and thoughts are fantastic and I enjoy reading every one of them. I try to reply to each one, if I miss you I’m sorry.
To those of you who are pimping out this story you all know who you are. I was only given one name - keitachibana along with vbfb1 for adding Diamond to her Domward’ Dungeon Series…Extra Mega Thank you…As a reader who pimped, that means so very much to me.
I saved the best for last to my beta MommyLovesEdward…Super Mega Extra Thank you…You rock girl!!! It makes it easier for me in so many ways, since you jumped on board and this journey became a lot more fun… love ya girl!

I have gotten a few questions for the OT I want to do, but I am going to need more. Please keep them coming. Also I had a request for more pictures, those have been posted on the Extra’s under photos. I do have a picture of the tattoo I will post it when Bella gets it. So you will see it the same time Edward does.

I believe that is all the housekeeping I have other than to say. The idea for this story is mine, the words are mine, sadly the characters are not…because oh...what I would love to do with Edward…lol

I hope you like this chapter, it’s an absolutely must be done kind of chapter…there are no warnings necessary, at least I don’t think so…enjoy.

Chapter 25

EPOV

I fucking hate this.

Bella is over in her room crying and there is not a damn thing I can do about it. I followed her out of the playroom shortly before ten, watching as she only stepped on her toes going up the stairs. In the kitchen I handed her two Tylenol and a bottle of water before she went to her room while I stayed behind to take care of Seth.

Now here I am a half hour later in my room listening to Bella’s muted sobs. I consoled myself with the idea that I had no choice; she had left me no choice. When we came home from the center, I brought her up a glass of wine, thinking that she needed something to unwind with and get into the right frame of mind. I had every intention of cancelling our session for the evening, but Bella insisted on the drive home that she not only wanted but needed our usual.

It truly was against my better judgment, but again I thought that once Bella had a shower and a meal she would be alright. I had planned a movie night which basically consisted of some light bondage, teasing and video watching which would eventually lead to both our releases. I had planned to address her nutrition and make the consequences of her reckless eating habits known. But other than that there was nothing physically strenuous or emotionally draining.

As I sat in her room while Bella explained what had occurred I was becoming agitated. It wasn’t the drive itself that concerned me, it was the fact that she went by herself into a volatile situation. Then add driving recklessly to get there and placing the children in danger by not using proper car seats. The kicker came when I inquired what would have happened had she been pulled over and she dismissed the whole thing by basically saying that her daddy would take care of it.

I understood why she felt the need to do it, Bella is one of those rare people who would step in front of a firing squad if she thought an injustice was occurring. The problem was, I fucking loved her and maybe I was being selfish, but I didn’t want anything to happen to her.

Then when she told me she purposely turned off her phone - that was too much. I thought that possibly the battery had drained or perhaps she was in a spot where the signal was low. But for her to blatantly disregard not only my rules but my feelings of concern for her, I had to leave the room before my anger got the better of me.

While I started the rice I was festering in my irritation and torn between just wanting to go up there and hold her all night and bending her over my fucking whipping stool. I needed some advice, so I called the one person who would understand.

“Hello Edward.”

“Aro, am I interrupting you?”

“No my boy, is everything alright? You sound out of sorts…” Was it that obvious?

“Yes…no, I’m not alright.” I took a deep breath before telling him. “Isabella is going to need to be punished and I don’t know if I can do it.” That was my problem in a nut shell.

“Hmmm, well, am I to assume that this is not a minor offence?”

“Two, major offences.” I corrected him.

“Two?” he chuckled, that just pissed me off more, but then he grew serious. “Well Edward, you have to ask yourself if the infraction or behavior is something that you are willing to put up with? If it is not, which it sounds like it isn’t, then it is up to you to correct it.” I knew that it was my job, that wasn’t the problem.

“Aro, she is going to hate me.”

“Ah, and that is the true problem. She won’t be happy, and she will be more upset with herself for making you do it. But in the long run she will respect you for it.”

“I love her and I don’t know if I can look into her eyes and do what I have to do,” I admitted.

“Then you might as well call Caius right now.” He made a simple statement of fact that pissed me off.

“What? Why would you say that?”

“Caius will train her for you; he’ll do all the dirty work… he wants to; I’ll give you his number.”

“No fucking way! He aint talking to Isabella, none the less touching her!” I said with conviction.

My uncle answered immediately, “good,” he went on before I could say anything, “now, stop thinking about your feelings and focus on Isabella’s. This is where the rubber meets the road Edward. You can be Isabella’s boyfriend and dominate at the same time, but you can not only be her boyfriend, that is not what she needs. If the offence warrants punishment then it is at your hands, you made the rules so you enforce them. If you don’t, you might as well throw them out the window or else release her and let someone else do it.”

He was right and I knew that.

Aro continued speaking, “Edward I’m glad that you have feelings for Isabella but you don’t punish in spite of those feelings, you correct her behavior because of them. Because it is in her best interest to have you do so. If you can’t or won’t then you might as well expect the behavior to continue. So ask yourself Edward, is that something you are willing to allow, and is it in Isabella’s best interest to allow it?” He was quiet for a few seconds while I thought over what he said.

“That doesn’t mean that you correct without thought or with malice to prove your point. Use your feelings for Isabella to make her understand why the correction was necessary. Edward, I have always been of the mind to make the punishment fit the crime, and if you make it memorable you will not find yourself revisiting the same dilemma anytime soon.”

He chuckled then added, “of course, there will always be a new dilemma.”

I sighed because he was right, there will be, and I was going to have to man up and let the chips fall where they may.

“Now is there anything else I can help you with?”

I sighed, “no, I just needed…I don’t know what I needed…”

Aro’s voice was chipper when he answered, “a pep talk from your coach.”

I smiled while I started the water to steam the beans, “yeah, I guess.”

Our quick conversation was over and I was going to say good-bye when he asked, “do I need to inform my slave that Isabella will not be able to make lunch?”

“No, Isabella will be there.” I informed him with conviction, I kind of figured she was going to need someone to talk to.

“Good then, until tomorrow. Oh, and Edward, I don’t need to remind you about after care do I?”

“No.” That was one thing I was not concerned about. We said our good-byes and hung up.

It was twenty minutes until six and I took Seth outside while I started the grill. I had to think about what I was going to do with the fact that Bella turned off her phone. She needed to realize the predicament that she put everyone in. No one knew where she was; and she just walked all over their concern for her, especially mine.

So then it came to me, something that would make her think for a few days about the repercussions of her actions. I told her I would not use corporal punishment on her because of the past abuse. If I did, the marks from the caning she would have received would have lasted for days, and every time she sat down she would have been reminded of her transgression.

What I was going to do would also last for days; but instead of her ass hurting it would be her heart and every time she stepped she would also be reminded, it was more of a mental spanking and it seemed like a viable option.

Part of me had hoped that she would not come down into the kitchen, and we would have spent the night wrapped in each other’s embrace watching some mindless movie. But to be honest, I wasn’t surprised when she walked out the back door. Bella has a stubborn streak in her that can be both endearing and annoying as hell.

It was then that I figured we might as well get this over with, and Aro was right, if I couldn’t do it I should just call Caius right now. That thought alone set my resolve, Isabella needed her Master; she was relying on me and I loved her enough that I couldn’t let her down no matter how much it was going to fucking hurt me to do so.

While Bella was in the kitchen setting the table I finished the prawns and scallops, getting myself into the right frame of mind. She presented herself, as was expected when I entered the kitchen. When her stomach growled and she informed me she had not eaten all day, my decision became concrete. This was going to stop, and if Bella was angry with me it didn’t matter as long as Isabella was safe and healthy.

I didn’t say anything to her during the meal, and when I actually analyzed her eating habits it was worse than I had imagined. I counted over twenty-five missed portions, which by my estimation would account for at least half a pound weight loss. I wasn’t a tyrant and I could let a few slide by, but that was totally unacceptable.

While Bella readied herself downstairs I cleaned up the kitchen, took care of Seth, and hunted down a black permanent marker. I grabbed a wooden folding chair, picked up Bella’s journal and headed down the stairs with a heavy heart.

I hated that this had to be done and I knew that Bella was going to be beyond devastated but what choice did I have? Was this something I could live with? Was this a behavior I wanted to continue? The answer was no on both counts.

Bella kneeled in her waiting position just inside the door where I had left her mat. She was truly amazing in her submission and while I stood there I appreciated her form. The fullness of her dark hair laying gracefully over her shoulders, the slope of her back where her grasp hands rested against the smooth curve of her bottom. She was female, she was submissive, and she was mine.

Her breathing was slow and heavy as if she was trying to calm herself, and as I stood behind her in admiration I realized that it was too quiet. Shit, way to go Edward you forgot to set the audio timer. I smiled to myself wondering if in Bella’s mind I would warrant a spanking for forgetting.

Once I stood in front of her I could see the tension on her face right before the tears started. In order to keep myself distanced I asked what the tears were for, and as she started to raise her eyes to me I stopped her. I was not immune to her tears and there was no way in hell I was going to be able to look into Bella’s deep brown eyes and do what had to be done. Besides, I didn’t want her to see the conflict that was raging in my own eyes.

I knew she was sorry, but Bella had to understand what it was that caused me so much discord. It wasn’t the driving and I explained that to her. If that was all she did, we would have had this discussion in her room as Bella and Edward. But here in the playroom it was about something far more important and I wanted her to confess to the breaking of my rules.

“So tell me again Isabella, what exactly my girl is sorry for? What rule did my girl completely disregard today that caused me so much worry?” I prompted with a stern voice. When Bella answered her voice was shaky and weak and had I remembered the audio I would not have heard her.
“She is sorry for turning off her phone.”

I was glad she recognized why I was so disturbed; and I proceeded to explain to her my opinion of her actions, and how to me, it was as if she was walking all over the feelings of those that cared about her. That had she answered the phone only one time, all of the worry that she caused could have been avoided. Making my voice very stern I made sure Bella fully understood my standing on this topic.

“This cannot happen again. Your phone is not ever to be turned off. I don’t care where you are, what you are doing, or who you are with. Your phone will remain on and charged at all times. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Sir.” Her answer was muted by a sniffle.

Bella hesitated when I told her to sit with her legs out in front of her, but finally complied. I saw the trepidation on her face while I sat in front of her requesting her right foot. As I held her foot higher and removed the black pen from my shirt pocket I chanced a glance in her eyes; she was scrutinizing what I was doing. When my name was plainly written I had her look at me for the first time to receive her instructions, there were tears in her eyes and I knew I did the right thing by not looking at her before.

“You are not to scrub that off; it will wear off on its own in a few days. Now, look at it.”

Bella was baffled at why I would write my name on her foot so I explained my reasoning. “Maybe this will remind you of how insensitive you were to my feelings today and with each step you take you can remember whose concern for your safety you completely disregarded. Besides, the way I figure it, if you are going to walk all over me you might as well do it with my permission.”

I watched as her fingers traced over the letters that would remain for a few days as a reminder of how much her disregard had wounded me. A new round of tears came to her eyes as Bella told me how sorry she was and that she just wasn’t thinking. But that was the problem; she needs to think at all times. I had her kneel while I took care of the next infraction.

While she held her journal I made it very clear that her eating and sleeping habits were not satisfactory and that I would give her a week to get it under control. I could have just told Bella what her punishment would entail, but I figured a demonstration later would drive the point home in a more effective manner.

The evening progressed as I had planned. The other day when I went to the adult toys-r-us I had seen the chrome jeweled plugs. They came in several sizes and the flat jewel made them very practical for extended wear. While I approved of the red ruby that adorned Bella’s backside, I remembered that I had not yet showed it to her. Using the remote, I zoomed in so she could get a first hand appreciation of what I was seeing.

“It’s pretty.” While I was watching her take herself in on the screen her words broke through my thoughts.

“Hmmm…pretty?” I had never heard a butt plug described as pretty before and I found it humorous, because she was right, the red jewel lying against her bare pink skin was pretty and I wondered how the blue was going to look. I had to shift in my seat when my dick throbbed at just the thought…a pretty butt plug? We were going to be working up to that blue one very soon.

My instructions for her were clear, she was to watch. It was the first time she would be viewing our session and I wanted to see her reaction. She had indicated on her limits that she would like to participate in voyeurism, and I needed to judge when she would be ready for that. I figured if she did not enjoy watching us, then watching others would be out of the question.

Bella was to relax into the bondage of the ropes. She needed to focus her attention on the bindings and let them surround her in a cocoon of security, allowing that feeling to lull her into a gentle sub-space so she could be free of all outside disturbances. This was going to take time and practice on her part and patience on mine.

My last instruction was that there would be no orgasm for Bella. That came with the punishment; had she received corporal punishment, she would not be rewarded with a release for as long as the evidence of the discipline remained on her body. In my book this was no different.

While she watched the video, I used the dick-on-a-stick on her; and watching her reaction to the video I noticed she looked totally engrossed and fascinated. I pointed out how her body reacted to the flogging, how she begged with words and actions craving more.

Bella’s face took on a serene look and when I slid the crop down her thigh she jumped and I had to remind her to keep watching. I turned the audio on, because I loved the noises she made when she came. Apparently Bella did too, because she began to push her hips against the dildo, making me warn her again to hold still while giving her thigh a quick slap with the crop.

It occurred to me that she was on the verge of losing control, and the last thing I wanted to do was have her orgasm without permission. So I stopped everything, giving Bella a moment to calm herself while reminding her to use the breathing and relaxation techniques from yoga.

Giving her time to calm down, it became very evident that, yes indeed, my Bella enjoyed watching. The idea came to me that perhaps not this weekend, but the next time we go to New Moon, we just might take a trip up to the third floor. I would have to check the schedule to see who booked a room, and make sure they wouldn’t mind if we joined them, only as observers not participants.

Bella had composed herself allowing me to move on with my activities, I replaced the dildo with a rabbit. She was going to have to use her muscles to keep it in place while I worked on her breasts. I asked her about increasing the intensity. I was going to do it anyway, but when she didn’t answer I needed to remind her that I expected an answer. No matter what is going on she needs to always be aware of my touch, and my voice, and then respond accordingly.

Once I was satisfied with the sensitivity of her nipples, I applied the vibrating cups and turned on the rabbit, before using the crop. Bella responded with heavy breaths and throaty moans. I couldn’t help but grow excited as she calmly lay still in the bonds watching the screen. I could see her stop struggling as she gave herself over to the sensations. It was hauntingly beautiful and I needed to keep my dick under control because at that moment it was begging to be let loose.

I knew that if I allowed it, Bella would have cum, and I had to stress that she was under no circumstances allowed to. The warning in my voice gave her some respite, and she became slightly calmer while she translated her words from Friday night. Bella’s legs started to shake and I figured it was getting time to bring this to an end.

I used the edge of the crop to flick off one of the suction cups making her suck in a breath. I knew she was close and had that been a clamp the pain from the removal would have pushed her over the edge. As it was, Bella was suspended somewhere between control and surrender. As I removed the other suction cup she screamed “Yes!” she would like to cum. But that wasn’t going to happen, not for a few days anyway, and I needed to tell her why, so I explained while removing the rabbit.

“I believe that you need more of a reminder of who you belong to, and that your life is no longer your own. Your orgasms are mine to give or to withhold, and as long as one mark remains on your foot, they will be withheld.”

Bella sighed, and I wasn’t sure if it was out of disappointment or gratitude; the woman completely befuddled me.

The screen was black but the sound was still on, and the sounds of Bella’s cry of pleasure caused my dick to throb. I made sure she was comfortable before lowering myself over her, groaning when she took me into her mouth.

I told her how much I enjoyed her mouth on me for two reasons. One it was true, Bella had a way of using her tongue to create the most amazing sensation. The second reason was because I wanted her to understand that she was the only one who could do that for me. I needed her to realize that my coming inside her mouth was a privilege and one I was going to be taking away.

Pulling away from Bella’s mouth was not fucking easy. It was an exercise in control and a tribute to self discipline. Looking down at her face she was completely confused so I enlightened her.

“When your nutrition is as it should be, then you can have the privilege of me finishing inside your mouth.”

The confusion turned to devastation and I literally watched as the pain swept over Bella’s features echoed by a loud sob. It seemed to take forever to get her out of the restraints and I ended up just cutting them away cursing myself. I should have had her kneel free of the bonds before dispensing the punishment.

Scooping her up off the floor as quickly as I could, and holding her against my chest I began calming her with words and gentle strokes. I knew she would be upset but I didn’t think she would have this kind of reaction. I’ve reprimanded a submissive many times before, but this was the first time I felt the sorrow along with her.

Such was the nature of our relationship; Bella was special to me, and even though it was so very necessary I hated what I’ve done. I needed her to understand that the chastisement was strictly about correction - not criticism.

“Listen to me.” I cupped Bella’s chin making her look at me. She looked so pitiful and my heart broke but there was no turning back and she had to understand that. I spoke as gently as I could.

“I told you that my rules are not something that I play around with. I also told you that I would not take pleasure in having to reprimand you, because it will hinder my enjoyment of you. Now it is what it is, take the reprimand and learn from it. So we do not have to have this discussion ever again.”

God, please Bella, don’t make me do this again.

I didn’t invite her to share my bed, in hind sight that was the wrong thing to do. I wanted to, but I was afraid Bella would turn me down, and I was more worried about my own feelings of rejection than her feelings. So there I sat, listening to her muffled sobs on the monitor. After a while it became very quiet, and when I went to check on her the light was still coming from under the door.

There was no response to my quiet knock so I hesitantly went inside. Bella was asleep, curled up in the chair with a throw blanket covering most of her body. Her hair was braided into one strand running down the side of her splotchy face; she looked frail, lost, and distraught.

Bella’s journal fell to the floor when I lifted her, she didn’t make a sound while I placed her in bed. After turning out the light I made my way back to my own room, only to be confronted with the sounds of her crying once again. I wasted no time in returning not even bothering to knock.

“Bella?”

She didn’t answer; the only sound she made was a sniffle. I sighed going to the bathroom to get her a cool cloth and some tissues, leaving the overhead on so there would be some light in her room. When I squatted on the floor next to her, placing the cloth on her head, Bella was so distraught her body was shaking and gasping for breaths.

“Shhh…baby calm down…” Her sniffles sounded like hiccups. I wasn’t a hundred percent sure if this was just a reaction to what occurred in the playroom or if there was another cause. Once she had settled down slightly, I felt like she would be able to tell me.

“Talk to me Bella,” I implored her wiping her forehead. I wish she would just fucking talk to me, I couldn’t help her until I knew what I was dealing with.

“You…you left me. You shut…the door…and l-left me all alone. Am I so...so horrible…that you c-can’t stand …to…be with me?”

“Baby, I thought you were sleeping. That’s the only reason I left.”

“I was waiting for you…t-to come…and when you did…you…you just left.”

Fuck, I never should have left her alone to begin with. Aro warned me about after care and I thought I had it covered; I had taken care of her physical needs with the shower and massage, but let the emotional ones take her over the edge. Bella needed reassurance not isolation. I moved next to her on top of the blankets, wrapping her in my arms.

“I’m sorry Isabella; I never should have left you alone. That was my bad, and I am so very ashamed that I let you down like that.” I confessed kissing her head.

“What? I’m the one that messed up.” Typical Bella taking the blame.

“Yeah, and you are being punished for that. But I messed up too, Isabella; I was more concerned about the way I felt then your emotional needs, and I promise I will try very hard to never let that happen ever again.”

Bella pulled back to look at me, “how did you feel?”

I sighed not sure if I should tell her or not. I thought about it and decided I wasn’t going to lie. I expect complete honesty from her and she deserves the same.

“I felt terrible. I love you and my natural inclination is to protect you from any harm or sadness. It is very difficult for me to punish you.” I sighed before continuing, “you have no idea how I agonized over it, realizing I was going to hurt you, and knowing I had no choice because it had to be done.” I ran my thumb over her cheek, “I’ll do it again Isabella, no matter how much it hurts me because it is what you need and your needs come before mine. I’m just so very sorry I forgot about that fact afterwards.”

Her fingers ran a line across my cheek and in the muted light I could see the outline of a sad smile.

“I forgive you Edward, and I am sorry I caused you pain. I love you too, and I don’t want to hurt you either.”

I smiled back at her.

“I know you don’t.” I tucked her head back into the nook of my neck. “Come on sweet girl, let’s go to sleep.”

Bella tilted her head placing a kiss on the underside of my chin.

I was glad to have this day behind us. I have not dealt with so much emotional stress since Mason got sick. I shied away from anything that remotely would have caused me worry, or strained the walls of the sanctuary I had made for myself. I could see those walls crumbling and normally I would have done everything I could have to strengthen them. But I wanted Bella, and if that meant I had to let the walls fall and weaken my defenses, then so be it.

The morning sun was shining brightly through the window. I was still on top of the blankets, but I was not cold because Bella was on top of me. I turned my head to see the time and she started talking.

“No Edward, no, someone will see us…” I grinned, waiting to see if there was any more of the conversation. After a few minutes it appeared that was all that I was going to get; disentangling myself from Bella I sat stretching my neck before getting up to use the bathroom.

“What time is it?”

I smiled at her sleepy voice, “seven-thirty, how about we get dressed and go out for breakfast?” We had a busy day ahead and we might as well relax as much as possible.

“Yeah? Blueberry hotcakes with sausage?” She sounded hopeful.

“Sounds good to me baby,” I leaned back over her and ran my hand down the full length of her braid. “I bet if you ask them real nice they would chop up the sausage and cook it inside the hotcake for you.” I chuckled at her blush before kissing her.

“Half an hour?”

She nodded in agreement.

Bella was sitting on the edge of the bed staring at her shoes. She was dressed in a pair of black pants and a dark grey sleeveless shirt. Her hair seemed to have extra waves and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out what she was doing.

“What’s up baby?”

When she looked at me, her eyes held a pain that I wanted so badly to take away.

“Edward, I don’t like this,” she whispered and her right foot lifted so I could see some of the black writing.

“You’re not supposed to like it. That’s the point.”

She sighed sliding on the left shoe and still hesitated with the right.

“How long do you think it will last?” She asked, staring down at the floor.

“A few days.”

I watched her face scrunch together and she sighed and slid her foot into the shoe.

“You ready?”

She nodded, picked up her purse, and we left.

The diner was actually rather full and we had to wait a few minutes before being seated. The hostess took our drink order and as we sat down Bella got a huge smile on her face, “I guess this means I’m official.”

I was puzzled, “official what?”

“I count now.” Her announcement gave me no clue as to what she meant.

“Paul, who was the biggest man whore, told me that unless you take a girl out for breakfast then they don’t count as someone who you slept with.”

“Well then, my dear Bella, you are my only one.”

“Really? I feel honored,” she answered with a grin.

I shook my head grinning. “You’re silly,” I chuckled as the waitress sat down our coffee taking our orders.

A thought then occurred to me. “Paul was a man whore, has he changed his ways?”

Bella took a drink of coffee before answering, “Yes, he is actually married to Rachel, Jake’s sister.” She smirked, “Jake hated that, I was in Hanover and Jake would call me almost every day bitching about it.”

“You and Jacob are very close.” I wasn’t asking I was just making a statement.

“Yes, we have a lot in common. His mother was killed the year after mine in a car accident and we bonded.” She got a strange look on her face and then she smiled saying, “he was my first kiss.”

What? I was shocked. I had seen the bond they shared but it never seemed romantic in any way. It was more like a sibling’s kind of thing.

Bella continued before I could ask, “If you ask Jake, he will tell you I forced him to do it, but I didn’t. I was thirteen and he was twelve and, believe it or not, I was taller than him.” I watched her in amusement as she told the story.

“All the girls at school were talking about kissing this person and kissing that person and I wanted to know what it felt like. So I had Jake do it, but it was bad,” she laughed making me grin.

“He wasn’t a good kisser?”

Bella shook her head still giggling. “No…he had too much pucker.” Her lips pinched tightly together and she laughed making me laugh with her.

“Ah…no it was wrong, just wrong! We never did it again, and Leah was so mad at me…” she would have finished but the waitress came with our food.

Once the waitress walked away I asked, “why was Leah mad?”

“Oh my god Edward, when I told her, she didn’t talk to me for days. She said…,” Bella giggled then continued on, “…she told me I was going to go to hell for being an adulteress because Jake was her husband!” I was stunned and she must have saw it on my face

“I know! She was serious too. But I didn’t even know what an adulteress was, so I asked Charlie. He told me it was someone who goes to hell, so I spent forever thinking I was going to hell,” she giggled, “for kissing Jake,” her giggle was infectious, “it was so not worth it,” she said flatly with a grin.

The waitress was back to refill our coffee cups and see if we needed anything else, once she was gone I asked Bella if she wanted to get her car, or just leave it until tomorrow? She decided she’d prefer to get it and check on Sally, but added that she wasn’t sure if Sally would still be there. I didn’t understand the last comment and asked about it.

“The first two weeks that a woman leaves are the most critical. If she stays away for three days there is a forty percent chance she will stay away. After a week it increases to sixty percent, and if she lasts two weeks there is an eighty percent chance she won’t go back,” Bella explained.

“Why would they go back?” It didn’t make any sense to me. If they were gone and safe, why go back into that misery?

Bella sighed. “It’s all they know Edward. Then if there are children, the woman feels guilt over taking them away from their home and their father to live in a shelter. In the woman’s mind even a bad home is better than none at all. Taking the kids away from everything and everyone they know. She will start to doubt whether her comfort is worth destroying the family.” Bella shrugged, “the victim feels the guilt, and believe it or not she loves the man and feels like she did something to deserve what happened to her. So they go back.”

It sounded like a sick dependency to me. In med school we talked a little about abused women, but nothing too involved. As a doctor we were being trained to diagnose and heal physical problems, and this sounded like a mental one. But still I thought that a physician should have more training in dealing with these kinds of patients because I’m sure they will encounter many in their practice. Bella’s phone rang as I was having my own little tae-ta-tae.
“Good morning Jane…no we are out for breakfast…that sounds good, let me make sure that’s alright.” Bella put her hand over the speaker on the phone then asked, “is one o’clock good Edward?” I nodded and she told my aunt that we would be there before saying goodbye.

We were running a little late, so I went with Bella for her appointment. I had never been in an OBGYN waiting room, and to be honest I felt out of my element sitting with a bunch of pregnant women. While Bella went in to the office area I looked through the magazines for something to read. There were only a few old and worn issues of Sports Illustrated, the rest were all Good Housekeeping, Modern Maternity, and Working Mother, and I was very glad that it didn’t take her long in there.

“Good to go?” I asked, standing up so we could leave.

“Yup, all set. Twenty-four hours and your little guy’s aren’t getting anywhere near my eggs.”

I glanced at the woman sitting across from me with a very round belly, and for a second I was sorry about that. But only for a second, because the next moment the room filled with the sound of a screaming infant and the sorrow was replaced with relief.

I dropped Bella off at the center watching as she made her way through the breezeway, pulling away only when I was sure she was safely inside. I had something I wanted to do, and then if there was time, I was going to go home and take a nap.

Chapter 23

EPOV

I sat on the side of the bed rotating my neck to get the kinks out, and as I stood the movement must have disturbed Bella because she sighed and murmered my name. When I turned to look at her, she was sound asleep. She lay on her side with the thin layer of cotton sheet concealing her body from hip to breast with one taut nipple peeking out over the top. Her hands laid on the pillow next to her face while her long hair clung down her back, slightly damp and still matted from not being brushed after her shower.

If I had to pick one word for the way she looked it would have been ‘angelic;’ and I loved her. Even more surprising Bella loved me in return. Who the hell would have thought this was going to happen? Two weeks ago I was perfectly happy, (or so I thought) going about my life; and then she came along and I began to see that there were holes, which she just seemed to fill perfectly. Now I could not imagine my life without her in it.
Our declaration of love was not filled with hearts and roses; it was stated as just a simple truth.

“Mmm…Edward.” I chuckled silently because she was so fucking cute, from her nocturnal ramblings right down to quirky eating habits. Everything about Bella draws me closer to her and I found myself watching her to see what else I could discover about this marvelous woman.

I felt terrible that I had upset her so much again tonight. The past few days have been filled with one emotional escapade after another and I really wanted her to have a calm evening. When I found her sitting on the floor in the shower with her head between her knees and her arms wrapped protectively around her legs, I felt like someone had punch me in the gut. I just needed her to get out of there and have her calm down, so I wrapped a towel around her and held her to me as tightly as I could.

Whatever had happened to her left her feeling dirty and ashamed. I tried to get her to understand that she has nothing to be embarrassed about, that whatever it was made no difference to me, and anything she told me wouldn’t change the way I felt about her. But Bella just wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me - she can be downright stubborn at times - so I just held her while she sipped on the mug of warm milk and then finally fell asleep against my shoulder.

When I went to lay her down she clung to my shirt holding on so tightly I had to pry her hands off while she kept repeating, ‘don’t leave me,’ over and over. Finally only settling down when I wrapped myself around her pulling her body as tightly to mine as I could. Now here she is, my Bella, whispering my name in her sleep; yeah, I truly do love her.

I moved through the house turning off the lights and double checking the doors and making sure that Seth had some fresh water for the night. I was just going to head back into the bedroom when I heard the dog barking outside. I suppose that wouldn’t have registered at all except for the fact that I never really heard him bark, at least not like this.

Turning on the bright security light I pushed aside the curtain to look out through the window on the door, there was nothing out of the ordinary other then Seth in the back of the yard barking towards the alley. Opening the door I called to him but he ignored me, so I stepped out onto the patio and clapped my hands together. Finally he turned to look at me so when I called out his name this time he responded.

“What’s out there boy, hmm are you tracking a cat?” I asked him petting his head before taking one last glance into the yard. We went back inside once I was satisfied there was nothing out there to be concerned about, and I grabbed a bottle of water before heading back to bed.

When I laid back down in bed in just my boxers pulling the blankets up over our bodies Bella automatically snuggled in next to me.

“Where did you go?” She asked through a groggy whisper.

“Are you actually awake?” I wasn’t sure if she was talking in her sleep or not.

“Sort of.”

“I just turned off the lights and checked the locks, now how about you ‘sort of’ go back to sleep?” Bella didn’t answer me; she only yawned and settled herself back onto my shoulder.

I half expected her to have a night terrors, it seems to be problematic whenever she speaks of-or remembers the abuse she had gone through. But she didn’t, and when I woke in the morning Bella was still in the same position, and I think there was drool on my shoulder but I didn’t fucking care about that. It was the first good night’s sleep she had gotten since Saturday and for that I was thankful.

She groaned when I twisted my torso to see the time before she completely rolled off my chest settling her head on the pillow. I placed a kiss on her cheek before getting out of bed glancing at her one more time before heading into the kitchen to get my first cup of coffee.

Rummaging through her cabinets and refrigerator it became clear that she needed another shopping trip to the grocery store; but there was enough to throw together a decent breakfast. I didn’t know if she had a tray but she did have a cookie sheet so that’s what I used, covering it with a kitchen towel. Bella was still sleeping when I entered the room carrying the make-shift tray of cereal, muffins, juice, and coffee which I placed on the dresser, before I climbed in next her on the bed.

My fingers traced the outline of her jaw and an innocent smile played across her face making me grin and I wasn’t sure if she was awake or just responding to my touch. My answer came on the second pass down her jaw line when her eyes fluttered.

“Good morning my lovely, I hate to wake you but you need some breakfast.” Bella sighed and tried to roll over and ignore me but that wasn’t happening. “Come on sleepyhead, I brought you coffee.”

“You did?” I smiled as her eyes met mine.

“Yes I did, in fact I brought you a whole breakfast.”

I watched her close her eyes as her arms came up and she stretched her body, arching her back and forcing her breasts to plunge upwards letting out a small moan which made me groan as my dick twitched and rose to attention.

My predicament must have shown on my face because when she opened her eyes she had a look of concern.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong love.”

Bella startled me by sitting up abruptly, cupping my face letting the blankets fall down around her waist. “You looked like you were in pain.”

I smiled at her placing a kiss on the front of her shoulder and moving across her clavicle, smiling to myself as her breathing hitched. My mouth moved down circling her nipple with my tongue before suckling it in my mouth.

“Mmmm…” Bella hummed running her fingers through my hair. Her pleasure turned to disappointment as I pulled away.

“That’s the pain I was in; desire, pure desire. Baby, I want you so badly it hurts.”

“I’m sorry.” She sounded so dismal I couldn’t help the deep laugh that came forth.

“Baby, that’s nothing to be sorry about.” It took a few seconds to pull myself together and stop laughing. “Come on, the coffee’s getting cold.” I was still shaking my head grinning as I placed the make-shift tray of food on her lap.

“Are you laughing at me?” Bella asked handing me my coffee.

“I sure am,” her questioning glance made me continue, “Bella, you are the only person I know who would apologize for giving me a fucking hard on.”

She smirked rolling her eyes before taking a drink of her own coffee.

“This was nice of you,” she said nodding to the spread of food before us.

“Well, I figured this is one way to make sure you eat, I’ll just keep you in bed until I’m satisfied you had enough nourishment.”

“I eat Edward; you don’t have to worry about that.” She answered popping the top off a muffin. She did eat, just not enough and I was sure when I saw her journal tonight there would be some chastisement that would need to occur.

We settled there on the bed eating and talking about the upcoming day. Her day was busy; I was going to meet with Emmett for lunch and then head over to the college to clean out my office. We also talked about the weekend, she was still anxious about the whole modified issue and I was beginning to understand that it wasn’t so much that she was afraid of messing up, it was more of an attitude problem. She was going to need something to keep her in the right frame of mind, a small task or denial of some privilege that would remind her that even though we were not alone, she was still under my control. I assured her that all would be well and I think I knew what I was going to do.

Before too long it was close to eight o’clock so while Bella dressed I took care of clean up and feeding Seth. She came in the kitchen in her work out clothes with her hair in a pony tail carrying that hideous pink bag.

“Edward, am I staying at your house tonight?”

I shrugged, having not thought about it. “That would be easier, why?”

“I know you said that Seth could come on the weekends, but...”

I knew what she wanted and I answered her before she could ask. “Bring him Bella, or if you would like I could take him now and he could go on my run with me?”

“He likes to run, if you don’t mind?”

“If I did mind I wouldn’t have offered. I like Seth, he’s a good dog. Did you decide what you are going to do with him this weekend?” I asked tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“Leah’s going to keep him Saturday.” I nodded leaning in for a quick kiss, Bella let her bag slide to the floor then wrapped her arms around my neck, and before I knew it my brief kiss turned into a heated fervor. Bella’s lips parted as my tongue ran across her bottom lip. Her breathing increased and she draped her leg around my thigh. My hands ran down her back to cup her bottom, lifting her while she wrapped both legs around my hips, grinding her sex into my crotch making me groan in her mouth.

When she pulled back there was a smirk on her face and she wiggled her sex over my dick. My hips thrust forward in an attempt to satisfy the need I was feeling.

“Are you in pain again?” It took me a second to realize she was asking me something and my answer came out in a hiss, “Yesss.”

Bella’s eyebrows raised and she got this devilish smile on her face as her legs released their grasp from around my hips.

“Good.”

What did she just say? “Good?”

“Uh-huh, now you’ve got something to remember me by,” and she giggled. She fucking giggled.

If she could have, I had no doubt in my mind Bella would have walked out the door leaving me there. However, she failed to remember that I still had her ass cradled in my hands and her feet were about three inches off the floor, and my girl wanted to be a tease? Well, two can play at that game.

“Something to remember you by?” I asked her, looking into her eyes. There must have been some kind of change on my face because Bella swallowed hard biting her bottom lip then looked at me through her eyelashes as she nodded once. Yeah. It was too late for that innocence act.

Within a heartbeat Bella was set on her feet, bent over the counter and her pants and panties down around her knees. Before I even registered what I was doing I had both her hands seized in my left one while my arm lay on her back to keep her securely against the counter.

The first swat hit dead center on her right cheek, and a moan came out her, “Ahhhh…” my dick throbbed at the sound and I thought I would let her know that her teasing was working.

“You’re making me harder Isabella,” I said by her ear as I placed another swat on her backside.

“Mmmmm…”

“Keep it up Isabella, I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed,” two quick swats landed on her and she sucked in a breath. I stood up taking in the sight before me and running my hand over the soft slightly pink skin before placing two more quick swats on each check.

“Ooohhhh…”

I ground my dick into her hip so she could feel how hard I was. “See what you do to me? Let me hear you Isabella.” My hand came down again and when I rubbed the spot I just struck, her ass wiggled against my hand and she sighed.

“You can do better than that. Come on; give me something to remember you by.” My hand came down rapidly two more times before slipping down between her slick folds and plunging deep inside her.

“Ungh Edward,” she gasped sucking in a breath.

“Well, my little pet does get wet, doesn’t she?” Bella didn’t answer she just stayed in the position I placed her in withering under my control. She was glorious and if I had the time I would have taken back to bed and fucked her.

Bella started moaning loudly and clinching her muscles around my fingers, so I removed them smirking at her disappointed groan then swatted her bottom once more. “Pleeeaassee….?”

“Please what Isabella?” I wasn’t sure what she was asking for.

“More,” the word came out in a hushed whispered plea.

“More what? I’ve told you to be specific.” My hand ran over her now heated bottom and I grinned when I heard Bella’s answer.

“Everything…please?”

Satisfied with myself at turning the tables on her little game, I bent over placing a kiss on her lower back before pulling her pants back up, and then turning her to look at me. The flush on her face and the gleam in her eyes was not hard to understand. My girl was worked up and feeling the heat of desire rushing through her.

“Sorry my pet, you are going to have to wait. I just wanted to give you something to remember me by.” I held her bottom firmly pulling her to me for another kiss, the muscles clinched under my hands and I squeezed a little firmer, eliciting another moan from her.

When our lips parted Bella held my gaze. “That wasn’t very nice of me was it?”

There was actual sorrow in her voice and I shook my head in agreement, “no it wasn’t. Although, I did enjoy the after-effects.”

I followed her out the back door placing Seth in my car, then moving to Bella just as she was getting behind the wheel. Squatting down I leaned over to kiss her. “Be careful driving there is someone I love in this car.”

Bella spun her body so she faced me, then she took ahold of my face with both her hands; she was gazing into my eyes, searching for something.

“You really love me.” It wasn’t a question it was a statement, like she had to repeat it to herself. I remained quiet as I watched her eyes slowly come to that realization and a huge smile spread across her face.

“You didn’t just say it last night to make me feel better, you really mean it.”

Of course I meant it. I had never felt about anyone the way I do about her, and for a second I wondered if she just said she loved me as a response until her next words left her mouth. “Edward, I love you, it seems so surreal, but I do.” I smiled at her and before I could say anything she spoke again, “you love me and yet you spanked me?”

I nodded in agreement, “I did, because you needed a spanking and who else was going to do it?”

A huge smile spread across her face, I was going to ask what it was for but she told me. “Our usual, just got better didn’t it?”

I chuckled, “Baby, our usual just got fantastic.”

She let out a girly giggle that made me grin.

I kissed her one more time then stood while she sat back into the car before I shut her door.

Running with Seth turned out to be a better experience than I thought it would. He never ran ahead of me or fell behind; he stayed right along side of me at a nice pace. Having him along was like company and I just might ask Bella if she wouldn’t mind me bringing him more often. I was never an animal person, the only ones we ever had growing up was an occasional fish. Emmett was always trying to talk mom and dad into letting him get a snake or an alligator; yeah, like that was ever going to happen. One summer I remember Alice begging to get a kitten, but me? No, animals always seemed to be more trouble than they were worth, but just as I had changed my perspective on the presence of a woman in my daily life I was also changing my perspective on a dog. I wasn’t sure if all dogs were like Seth or if he was just exceptional-like his owner.

When we got back to my house I got Seth some water and food before I took a shower. He was standing by the back door when I came into the kitchen to get a bottle of water; so while he was outside doing his business I sat on the patio and called Emmett to see what time he wanted to meet.

I had a few hours so I decided to head over to my office and get that done, that way I would have the afternoon free. There were a few last minute things I needed to do in the playroom and since it was so nice out I decided to grill seafood for dinner, which would mean a trip to the store.

Emmett was waiting for me at the diner, they had already seated him and when I sat down the waitress was right there to take my drink order.

“Did you get your office done?”

I nodded to his question, “yeah, there wasn’t much to do, just remove all the files and get them organized and boxed. How is Rose feeling?”

“Much better actually, that bracelet thing that little Bella suggested really worked.”

I smiled at the mention of Bella and a thought crossed my mind. “Why do you keep calling her little Bella? She’s not that tiny.”

Emmett shrugged putting down his menu. “It’s more of the way she carries herself, like she has the weight of the world on her and she doesn’t want anyone to see her because she is afraid of making a mistake. But her true self shines through like a little beacon, blinking out to those around her. Besides, she’s been through so much and has been so strong I think she needs to be reminded that she can relax sometimes and just be ‘little Bella’ and let the weight go, allow someone else take care of her for a change.”

I thought about what he said and he was more right then he could imagine.

“She’s a little spit-fire isn’t she?” He asked me, noticing that I was thinking about her.

I grinned at his question thinking about this morning and her little attempt to tease me. “She definitely has her moments.”

The waitress came to take our order and the conversation turned to this weekend. I explained to Emmett my plans to come Saturday morning. He said that Rose would be calling Bella to make plans for meals and stuff like that.

“I’m going to the club early Sunday night just for a few hours. Cameron is doing a demonstration and I want Bella to see it…,” the waitress came with our food and when she left I asked him, “did you see all the shit that is being said on Club Talk?”

Emmett shook his head while he put ketchup on his burger. “I don’t go on that thing, but I can only imagine what is being said. After you left on Saturday night a few women came up to talk to Rose about what was going on with you. She told them it was none of their business, but maybe that was the wrong thing to do; that might have just added fuel to the fire.”

I laughed taking a drink to wash down the bite of wrap. “Fire? It’s a fucking inferno. I don’t care what they say about me, but I’ll be damned if I let them belittle Isabella. She doesn’t fucking deserve that simply because she’s happens to be with me. I was livid when Jane told me about this on Monday, especially after all that shit went down with Caius and Irena….”

Emmett broke into my train of thought, “What happened?”

I proceeded to tell my bother what happened at my home.

“Are you serious, what the hell got into them, and why in the world would Caius think that you would let him train Bella? Doesn’t he have any fucking eyes?” I was taken aback by that comment because I didn’t understand what he meant. He must have seen the confusion on my face because he rolled his eyes at me.

“Oh, come on Edward! Anyone that looks at you two can tell you’re totally infatuated with her. You can deny it, but my God, it’s as plain as day.”

“My not infatuated with Isabella…” Emmett sighed shoving some fries in his mouth. “…I’m in love with her.” He smiled and just kept chewing. “You don’t seem surprised?”

He shook his head shrugging, “I knew that first day we were all at Alice’s that little Bella had gotten under your skin. It was just a matter of time until you realized it. I’m just surprised you were smart enough to do it so soon.” He added the last part with a cocky look on his face. His statement made me think of something that had been eating at me.

“You don’t think we’re rushing?”

He raised his eyebrows, “we?”

I grinned nodding my head while taking a drink.

“When did this happen?”

“Last night?” My answer came out as a question because I was perplexed by why he was asking.

“Last night? You couldn’t wait another week?”

“What? Why?...” then it dawned on me. “You guys were betting on our relationship?”

Emmett stared at me like it was no big deal. “Yes, and I totally lost. That’s why I really wanted you two to come up to the cabin, I was going to push you into it, but nooo, you got to go and jump the gun. Now we each owe dad fifty bucks.”

“Dad?” I suppose I should have been mad, but I just couldn’t get over the hilarity of my family betting on my love life.

Emmett sighed, “oh well, I guess I still have a chance with the wedding.”

“Wedding? Are you all betting on our first born too?” I sighed shaking my head in disbelief “I guess you don’t think we are rushing then.”

“Only by a week my man, but other than that, no. You are both adults, you both know what you had before and what you have now, and your both old enough to know the difference. You would be a fool to let little Bella slip away from you.”

“Thanks.”

We talked briefly about Aro going on vacation and decided that since there were a few weeks until that event occured, we had time to discuss that later. Emmett needed to get back to work as his lunch and free period was just about over. I paid for the meal telling him it was the least I could do for not waiting a week to declare my love to Bella so he could win the bet.

I had just left the fish market when my phone rang; it was the head gambler himself. “Hi dad.”

“Hello Edward, is Bella with you?” His voice had an edge to it.

“No, Bella is at the center.” My father sighed heavily. “Dad?”

“She was here, but something happened and she ran out. That was a several hours ago; I just thought maybe you might have talked to her.”

“What do you mean she ran out of there, where did she go? Did you try and call her?” I could hear the panic build in my voice.

“I’m not sure son, here talk to Carol, she knows more than I do about what happened.” It seemed to take forever for her to get on the phone.

“Hello Edward, I don’t really know very much. There was some sort of mix up over the weekend and one of the hotline volunteers gave out Bella’s personal number. She shouldn’t have done that; but Bella was only slightly upset when she went to her office. Then about twenty minutes later she ran by my door saying that she had to go that it was an emergency and she would explain when she came back. That was at eleven-fifteen.”

I looked at my watch, “it’s after two?”

“I know, that was why I had Carlisle call you. She’s not answering her phone and I thought maybe you might have heard from her?”

“No. I haven’t heard from her all day. Let me check her house, maybe she just wasn’t feeling well and went home.” I knew I was grasping at straws, but I just couldn’t imagine where she would have gone.

“Please let me know if you find her.” If I find her? I told her I would call her back as soon as I checked the house. I immediately pushed Bella’s number--it went right to voice mail. “Bella, Carol called; she said you left and she is worried about you. Baby, call me.”

I headed over to Bella’s; the garage was closed so I went inside to check, and I half expected to find her sprawled out in the bathtub. But the house was empty and I hadn’t heard from her so I tried again, getting the same response. “Bella, I need you to call me ASAP.” I also sent the same message in a text.

I drove by my house, although I knew it was locked and she didn’t have a key I thought maybe she might be waiting there for me. I tried her number again; it still went straight to voice mail. I spoke in a firmer tone. “Baby you are starting to worry me; I need to know where you are.”

There was one more place I could think of to check and as I pulled in front of Leah and Jakes, I debated, because I didn’t want to upset Leah but I needed to know if she had seen or heard from Bella. I knocked at the door but no one answered. I waited a minute knocking once more but no one was home. I was starting to get tense and feeling slightly panicky. I kept telling myself that she was fine, but until I knew that for sure my nerves just wouldn’t calm down.

One more time I called Bella’s number, getting her voice mail. I was stern and demanding, “Isabella, you had better call me very soon!”

It was close to three o’clock when I called my father back and he said that they still hadn’t heard from her. I told him I was coming over to the center, maybe she left something there that would tell me where she went. When I got there I called my dad and he met me at the front gate that ran along side of the building leading into the courtyard where I first kissed Bella.

The building itself seemed so normal on the outside, but it was protected like a fortress with two steel doors that you had to pass through before getting inside. Mt father led me down a long hallway past the infirmary and into a large open space with several offices that surrounded the perimeter. Carol came out of the large office along the east wall.

“Hello Edward. I really am sorry to have to bother you. This is just not like Bella to be gone without any word and she missed a one o’clock counseling session. I just can’t imagine where she would be, or why she hasn’t phoned.” The worry in her voice was plain and it was making me even more anxious.

“I don’t know what you’re going to find in here, but you’re more than welcome to look.” She led me to the office that was directly in front of the hallway. There was a large wooden desk in the middle of the north wall with a black leather office chair pushed to the side. In front of the desk sat two wooden chairs. Two overstuffed wing chairs sat in the far corner with a small round table in front of them with only a box of tissues on it. The west wall held four large file cabinets. With a single poster above them that read ‘When you need something to believe in – Start with yourself. ’

When I got to her desk I pulled the chair over to sit down. Staring at me from the corner were several small framed pictures of her family, the largest was a five by seven picture of a beach with the sun setting behind it. Bella had left half a cup of coffee sitting next to her closed journal. I opened it up to the last page she had written, it was dated from today and all it said was, ‘I don’t know how I got so lucky…’

I looked for a note pad that might have an address or a phone number, but there was absolutely nothing. Making my way back over to Carol’s office I asked her who gave out Bella’s number and did the woman remember who she had given it to. Carol was in the middle of explaining what had happened when her phone rang.

“Oh My God Bella! Where the hell are you?” Oh thank God, a feeling of relief washed over me as I listened to the one sided conversation.

“Yes, Carlisle is here…You’re not supposed to do that!” Carol was kind of adamant about something.

“Can she walk?...Alright, I’ll bring Gail and Carlisle and we’ll meet you in the garage…How much blood is there?” Alright, I was starting to calm down until I heard that - who the fuck is bleeding?

“Oh shit!…alright…five minutes.” When Carol hung up it was clear that she was also relieved. “She went to pick someone up; you heard she’ll be here in a few minutes. Excuse me; I need to get people to help.”

“Can I do anything?” I asked following her out into the hallway where she told my father what had happened.

Dad handed me a paper smock and plastic gloves, “Edward, you can carry her up the steps better than I can.”

Another woman had joined us and Carol introduced her as Gail, we didn’t get a chance to say anything because there was a beep and then Carol led the way through the door next to her office down the stairs and into a large underground parking area.

Bella’s car was just pulling to a stop towards the back. She didn’t look up; her attention was focused on the back seat and as we got closer I could see the woman who was in the passenger side. She seemed taller than Bella, she was very pale and thin with glasses. Bella had gotten out of the car and was holding open the rear door talking to whoever was in there. I didn’t see anyone at first, but then I heard the crying, it was a child.

Dad opened the passenger door squatting down. “Hi Sally, I’m Dr. Cullen, do you remember me?”

“Yes.” Her voice was weak and pitiful and I remembered what Bella had said; that people either pity the victim or blame them. I could see how the pity could be possible and I tried to fight back that urge, I didn’t want to add to this woman’s burden.

Dad went on with his questioning-asking what hurt, if she had lost consciousness, how long ago the injuries occurred. I still didn’t see any injuries as my attention was split between my father and the three women on the other side of the car.

The little girl was screaming in Gail’s arms, and Bella was leaning over the seat talking to another child, a boy, in a hushed calm tone and I couldn’t make out anything she was saying until finally I heard, “That’s my big man, come on, your mom will be fine.” Bella’s eyes never moved away from the boy as she talked.

“Dr. Cullen, Joey is worried about his mom. Is she going to be alright?”

“I believe so; I need to get your mom upstairs so I can look at her better. Joey you go with Bella and wait for your mom. Edward is going to carry her up the steps.”

“Edward?” Bella’s voice was surprised; she finally caught my eye and she smiled sadly before giving her attention back to the child. “Come on Joey, help me with Nicky and let Dr. Cullen and Edward take care of your mom.” He must have decided to comply because Bella backed out of the car and he followed shutting the door.

I watched as Bella held her hands out, “Gail give me Nicky, Joey hold Gail’s hand and we’re going to go upstairs and get something to eat.” Nicky had seemed to calm down a little as Bella stroked her back. “Ok, let’s go.”

As the four of them started to move, Carol now joined us. “How are you doing Sally?”

Sally shrugged but didn’t answer, only wincing when my dad squeezed her ankle and she sucked in a deep breath as dad swung her around so her feet were outside of the car. I put on the gloves and paper smock then bent to lift her up. For her height Sally weighed less then Bella, and I could now see her split lip and that her hair in the back of her head was matted with dried blood. Her eyes had dark circles underneath them like she was healing from a broken nose. We walked slowly; I didn’t want to jostle her too much as I had no clue what the extent of her injuries were. Once upstairs I placed her on the exam table in the infirmary then removed the paper smock and gloves and as I was leaving Sally thanked me.

Bella was in Carol’s office having a rather heated discussion from what I could tell. I can understand why Bella felt the need to go get Sally, and I could also understand Carol’s view of the dispute; and frankly I was leaning more toward Carol’s end.

While I sat at her desk I paged through Bella’s journal, looking over the assignment that I had given her on Sunday and the last few paragraphs caught my attention.
There are many other reasons why communication is important to our relationship. But to this girl the most important is to rid herself of the fear. She never realized how easy it was to close herself off, to disregard any and all happiness. Depending upon herself as a substitute for a real life with someone, pretending it didn’t matter. Telling herself that she didn’t need to embrace someone in order to have a fulfilling life.
Now she sees that’s not true, but she is still afraid of so many unknowns. The difference is that now, she is at least willing to admit that she needs someone else, even though that thought scares her so much. This girl realizes that the only way to rid herself of the fear she feels is through clear, candid communication with her Master.
She was opening herself up as I had hoped; and there were a few other points in the essay that we would be addressing later. I skimmed over the writing Bella had done on her own early yesterday morning my mind coming to focus on a particular passage.

I spent my whole life taking care of someone, I can’t say that I resent the fact that at the age of ten I was solely responsible for most of the household chores or by thirteen I was balancing my father’s check book. It made me independent and mature. I never had to explain why I wanted something or come up with reasons. So tonight when Edward asked me why I wanted to speak with Jane about my submission to him, I was surprised to find that there was a sense of security that surrounded me as I basically pleaded to be allowed to do something. I believe that comes from the fact that if the decision is not mine then any fault that might come to bare is not mine either and that fact alone relieves me of so much pressure that I am free to just unwind without agonizing over making the decision and that was something I was never before able to be, free.

As I thought about the last line I remembered what Emmett had said at lunch. I couldn’t remember word for word but it went along with what she had written. He said something along the lines of, ‘She carries the weight of the world but she is so afraid of making a mistake that she tries to hide. But she can’t because her true self shines through and that scares her.’

Emmett basically said the same thing she did with his comment that Bella needs to be reminded that she can relax, and let it go, and allow someone else to be in control. That would help her with her fear, and she admitted the same thing in her writing.

People can say whatever they want about my brother; he might be brash and downright incongruous at times, but his heart is always in the right place and he can read people better than anyone I know.

“Hey.” Bella’s soft voice made me look up.

“You alright baby?”

When her eyes met mine, they were weary. Her movements were slow and calculated as she came towards me.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry I worried you.” I sighed shutting her journal pulling her into my lap, just needing to feel her in my arms. “We’ll talk about that later.

My dad came to her door and knocked, Bella stood as he came in the room. “I don’t believe her ankle is broken but without an x-ray I won’t be sure for a few days. Her ribs are bruised and she needed five stitches on the back of her head and three inside her lip.”

“Thanks Carlisle.”

“You’re welcome. Now, how are you?” He asked placing his hands on her arms, I couldn’t see her but she sniffled so I knew she was fighting back tears.

“I’m fine.” Bella said with a nod, my dad eyed her skeptically.

“You did good today Bella,” and before the praise could settle in he scolded, “don’t you ever do it again.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” he asked with a firm voice. Bella didn’t answer she just nodded and then his arms wrapped around her in a fatherly embrace while her face was buried in his chest. Dad looked at me then whispered something in her ear, while she silently nodded to whatever he was saying. Finally she giggled and snorted making my father chuckle. When he stood back up he eyed me again then winked. I don’t know if I fucking liked that.

Bella took a step back then gasped. “Oh no, Esme is going to kill you, going home with mascara on your shirt!”

But my father didn’t seem too concerned about it. I stood behind Bella, running my hands down her arms.

“You ready to go home baby?”

“Yeah,” she answered with a sigh.

Bella went in to tell Carol she was leaving, and I turned to my father, “by the way, Jasper and Emmett each owe you fifty bucks.” He looked at me in confusion and I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to understand; after a few seconds it must have dawned on him because he smiled widely.

“Well that’s good to know, your mother will be happy to hear that.” He then reached into his pocket for his wallet and handed me a hundred dollars. “You two go out for dinner on your brothers.” I smirked at him and when Bella came out we left. She left her car there in the garage; we would get it tomorrow morning before her doctors’ appointment. Once we were in my car and driving I glanced at her realizing she looked beat.

“We could skip our session tonight baby, you had a rough day.”

“I’d rather not Edward, I want to take a shower, and eat, and then I really need some of our...usual.”