Chapter One

I stared at the unfamiliar legs crossing in front of me. At the very end of those well-toned legs was a seductive color of candy apple red toe nails, and sleek black heels that wrapped sensually around the feet. The thin silk material of the red dress slipped off and exposed more skin of the inner thighs.

Nervously, I lifted the skirt and draped it over my thigh.

I've never done this before. Dress like I was someone else.

"Don't. It's so appealing to see your legs exposed like this." His hands were cold to the touch. Maybe because the air in the car was blasted at a cool temperature. Still, he held onto my hands. I took in a deep breath. I was doing this for him.

He did look ravenous himself this evening, but you could barely tell with the mask he wore. It was a requirement to wear a mask to these event parties. It was our first ever. Nothing I've ever heard of before, but he wanted to come. It was our last resort to save our relationship, and I was willing to do anything for him.

My hands went up near his face, and I placed his curl behind his ear. He brought my hands to his lips and pressed them softly. The warmth of his kiss sent a shiver down my spine. I missed his delicate touches and caresses. We did lose our intimacy after all these years, but work had taken over and our lives got too busy. We didn't argue at all, actually. It seemed to be perfect with the exception of our intimacy being lost.

I still loved him. I needed him. Yet, I honestly didn't know if he still felt the same way. We weren't committed to each other yet, but this would help us know if we were meant to be forever.

After I came home late from work one night, I finally spoke up and asked him if there was anything I could do to add passion into our relationship. He didn't seem phased by it, but a few days later and he had suggested we attend this secret event. It was by invitation only, and he knew of someone who thought this would be the perfect way to ignite our passion.

"Bella, you look absolutely ravishing. I could take you right here and make love to you." He kissed my lips and played with my tongue before I could reply back to his kiss.

"Then let's go home. We don't need this, do we?"

He sat up stiff and stared out the window.

"I'm sorry, Jasper. We'll try this then. I want to know what I need do to make you desire me again."

He finally looked at me. "I love you, Bella. You're too good to me."

Our driver finally pulled up to the house. It was more of a castle. There were several cars already in front of us and behind us.

"Looks like it's a full house tonight." He smiled at me and seemed giddy at the excitement for this evening.

The valet opened our door, and we stepped out in front of the massive entryway of the house. There was a gentleman at the door who controlled the front door, but before he did, he didn't speak a word to us. Jasper remembered and pulled out the thick envelope in his jacket. The gentleman opened the envelope and read the invitation. With his approval, he opened the door and we entered into the house.

The hallway was dark but the lights dimmed enough for us to see the guests. I took in another deep breath. How did I ever talk myself into this?

Everyone was staring at us as we walked in. Jasper was confidant in his stride, but I felt timid and wanted to hide behind Jasper the entire evening. As my arm wrapped around his left arm, he held my hand.

"Darling, please relax. If we don't learn anything tonight, then it's perfectly fine. But let's enjoy this for a moment, and see what we can discover."

I nodded my head. I wanted to be submissive to his wishes. It pleased me so much to see him smile at me, knowing I was doing everything I could for him.

"Jasper!"

I saw a tall elegant woman with a beautiful evening gown walking towards us. Her hair was short, and with the dark lights I couldn't tell if her hair was auburn or a light brown. Her smile lit up the room though, and her perfect straight teeth were flawless. Her lips were a bright red, and behind her mask, her eyes sparkled a friendly glare.

"Alice."

Alice. She was the one who Jasper had met and invited us to this event. They met through a mutual friend and became close friends themselves. She wanted to help, and I thought her sincerity was quite overbearing, but Jasper assured me it was for us.

She placed her hand on his arm and rubbed them gently. "You look amazing." She turned to look at me, "This must be Bella. Oh my goodness, Jasper. Why on earth would you need tonight when she looks like a fucking goddess in that damn dress? Hell, I'd fuck her."

Thank goodness for the dim lighting because I was blushing refutably.

"Yes. Bella went beyond herself tonight and is exceptionally stunning. I'm one very lucky man."

The things he said, I didn't know why we were here tonight. I was ready to leave with him already.

"Well, Bella and Jasper, I know you both are aware of what happens tonight. So please don't hesitate to ask me any questions. I am so happy you both are here, and I guarantee you, it will be an evening you shall never forget or regret."

She then turned her attention towards me, "So to start, Bella, since Jasper is just too delectable to pass on tonight, I'm going to steal him away from you for a moment. But no worries, he will always go home with you tonight as promised."

And so it begins. I took in another deep breath and had to accept this. Jasper slowly let go of my hands, but not before looking me in the eyes, "Don't worry. Please open yourself too, and remember I love you."

With that last statement, I saw him drift away with Alice in his arms. He was giving his warm smile that I've come to love. Now, I felt so cold being left alone in a room full of strangers. I kept staring at them as their figures became smaller. They walked up the stairs and went behind closed doors. I began to feel nauseated. My chest ached at the thought of allowing another woman to take Jasper. I was weak and allowed this to happen to myself. What if he never came back to me? But he promised. This whole ordeal was psychotic, and I couldn't believe I agreed to it. But I kept telling myself I love him. We needed this to save us. This was normal behavior now with couples.

I felt warm hands on my bare shoulders, and a soft breath released behind my ears. It sent a warm sensation down my back and caused the intricate hairs behind my neck to rise. I took in a deep breath at my surprised reaction.

"You know, don't make it so obvious that you're a virgin at this party. The veterans at these parties love the weak novices like you to prey on. Such an easy target, and then so easily abused. You'll never make it alive."

I was appalled at what I was hearing. I turned myself around, "What the hell are you talking about?"

I froze at the blue-grayish eyes preying on me. His mask was a simple plain black mask which didn't hide his perfect structured jaw lines. His hair had golden highlights that I could still see through the luminous lights. He was tailored to perfection. His warm hands still had a grip on my shoulders.

I stared at his hands, and he realized his position; so he gently lowered his hands. He then took my hand and kissed it. His warm lips were soft, and I could feel him slip the tip of his tongue on my hand. Somehow, I didn't pull away but allowed him to continue.

He looked up at me, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I'm barely trying to enlighten you on how these parties work."

Maybe I was overreacting. Surely, there was some humanity left in this room especially in a room full of promiscuous and scandalous people.

"My name is Edward. Edward Cullen."

I shook my head and reminded myself to forget every judgment I was going to have tonight. "I'm Bella."

"Just Bella?" He twisted his head wanting my full name.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I don't know you, and I'm not ready to privy you with my full name, so it'll have to be Bella for now."

"Seems fair."

"Was I that obvious?"

"About your last name?"

"No. You stated I was an obvious novice at this. Does it really show, and is it really true what you just said?"

He laughed at my question. Why was he laughing? I was being serious.

"To answer your questions, yes and yes. Please, Bella, let me offer you a drink." He led his hand towards the bar, and we walked over to the bartender.

"James, I'll have a whiskey on the rocks and the lady will have a . . .?"

"Cabernet Sauvignon, please."

"I didn't take you for a whiskey girl anyways."

"I barely drink. Only on special occasions and tonight definitely calls for one."

As James handed our drinks, he winked at me. "Your first night, M'am?"

"I am that obvious, aren't I?" Even the bartender knew. I was doomed. How was any of this going to help Jasper and me?

"I'm a bartender. I notice everything at these parties, but no worries. You're in good hands with Edward."

"I'll give you my opinion after this evening, James." I raised my glass to James. "To new adventures."

Edward raised his glass, "No, to you. Because you're about to indulge into one of the most life changing events of your life."

I couldn't agree more.

As we roamed around the house, I noticed how easy it was for others to find one another. Oh my goodness, have I been living under a rock my entire life. This world was so different from what I knew. Sexuality was no longer sacred amongst two people.

"Bella, if seeing all this is too much; we can go talk in a private room."

"Is that how you allure the ladies into a room?"

He let out another chuckle at my question. "No actually. If you really want to know, the women here don't require asking at all. Everyone is pretty open and aware of what happens next after some intriguing conversations. It doesn't take much convincing. Sometimes, it's the same crowd, so you already have preselection in works."

I took in a deep breath. Alice. She had wanted Jasper already. She knew this was the only way without having to tarnish whatever it was that she was trying not to ruin. What was she trying to protect?

"Sure."

"I'm sorry. I can't read your mind sometimes. Sure what?"

"I mean, sure, let's go into a private room. It seems you're honest enough to give me some answers and tips."

"Well, my student, then follow your sensei upstairs."

I wanted to go upstairs, in hopes that I would run into Jasper. But as we walked pass their room, it was still closed. I tried to slow down to see if I could hear anything.

"These rooms are built with pretty thick walls, and may I suggest that your intentions to be not to listen on in. It'll ruin the rest of your evening."

"Is that your first tip?"

"No. My first tip was to not make it so obvious that you're a novice at this."

I let out a smile. It was my first smile of the evening amidst all this crazy fiasco. At least, he was keeping my mind off Jasper and Alice.

As we entered a vacant room, the décor was extremely lavish. Dark velvet curtains, a thick duvet with a dozen pillows of different sizes, dim lighting which was a given, and several warm towels and robes. Even sultry music was playing in the background. They truly thought of everything for these events.

Edward closed the door, and I flinched at the sound of the door locking. I was contemplating giving myself to him tonight. He seemed honest, but my heart wasn't in it. Could I ever overcome that feeling of needing to make love and only fuck? That's what everyone was doing tonight. Just fucking. Jasper was fucking Alice right now. Ugh.

"Bella, you're drifting again. Don't think."

I nodded my head in agreement. He was right. I had to shut off my thinking at this moment. I walked over to him and placed my arms on his chest. At least he smelled good, and his body was so warm to the touch.

"Bella, I know this is your first time and I don't want to ruin it for you. If you want, we can just talk tonight."

I dropped my arms and stepped back. I bit my bottom lip hard. "Talk." I shook my head. "Of course, you know, I'm new to this. I know I'm not desirable cause God forbid, if I was then I wouldn't be here tonight. No, I would be at home fucking Jasper instead of Jasper fucking Alice."

"Whoah. What are you talking about? Bella, I don't want to force you into something you're not ready for. This is a different game we're playing here. And to say that you're not desirable? Bella, the moment I saw you walked through the doors, I've been trying to devise a plan to have you all to myself tonight and claim your goddess like body. But then I realized, after studying your behavior that you're all new to this, and I don't want to ruin it. Because what if you don't ever come back?"

He almost seemed sincere about his last words. Why did he care about me?

"Why would I want to come back? I'm here for Jasper and me, so we can find a way to reignite passion into our lovemaking. I don't even know if we're going to last after this."

"You love him that much?"

I tried not to cry but the tears began to fall. Why was I crying in front of a stranger? All this was irrelevant to him. I was smarter than this. My father raised me better. I wiped away my tears under my mask trying not to reveal my face.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be crying in front of you. This is so stupid. You should be with someone who's wanting you in sexual ways, and not providing therapy for a stupid girl."

"You're not stupid, Bella. Brave for doing this, but not stupid. And I'm fine. This is different for a change, and I like it. It feels good to have a normal conversation at these parties."

I wanted to believe him, and maybe I did. He had a way of calming me down when he spoke.

"Bella, let me help you."

"Help me how?"

He clasped his hands together and placed both his fingertips on his lips.

"Let me show you. I won't make love to you tonight, but at least I can show you how and what you should be doing to bring that passion back."

Without thinking, I nodded my head in agreement.

He took several steps until his body was pressed up against mine. Our breathing was in sync and I could feel the warmth of his body.

"First, you need to undress yourself. Do it slowly and seductively. Never stop staring me in the eyes while you do it."

I took in a deep breath and quietly hoped for courage. I unzipped the side of the gown and slipped the top down.

"Slower, Bella."

With subtle movements, the gown fell like chocolate melting down my legs. I was embarrassed at my exposed breasts, so I decided to take off my heels.

"No. Keep them on. Now slowly lick and bite your bottom lip like you've been doing all night."

He noticed. It was such a bad habit of mine that I couldn't control.

"You're beautiful, Bella. Your body is perfect." He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I don't know how I'm going to control myself."

"We can stop, Edward."

"No. I'll keep teaching you. Now unbutton my shirt, then walk behind me and slip off my shirt."

I did as he commanded, and I remembered to slowly unbutton each button. As I walked behind him and slipped his shirt to the floor, my hands rubbed up his arms slowly.

"That feels good, Bella. Now go lay down on the bed."

"What about your trousers?"

"Bella, if you take off my trousers, then this training is over and I will make love to you."

He was right. What was I thinking? I walked over to the bed and propped myself to the side comfortably on the pillows. He came over and pulled my knee across the bed, so that it covered my inner thighs. He placed my arm over my hips.

"This is how you should welcome him into your warm bed."

"What now?"

"If he doesn't come to you, then he's a fool."

He stood there staring at me. I felt like I was betraying Jasper with Edward staring at my naked body, but somehow, I wanted to appeal to Edward.

"Then are you a fool too?"

"I don't want to ruin what we have."

"What do we have, Edward?"

I sat at the edge of the bed with him between my legs. I placed my hands on his bare chest and never lost focus on his gaze. I started to unbuckle his belt, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Bella. Don't."

"Edward. It's ok. Set me free as a novice."

He held my face with his hands and his lips met mine. His kiss was so different and warm. He took his time caressing me with his tongue. I followed his technique and devoured him. My heart was racing and our breathing was getting heavy. My hands finally freed his belt and his trousers fell to the floor. I pulled him on top of me as he kissed my jawline and neck. He nibbled on my ear and let his tongue massage it. It was unbearable yet so welcoming. I released little moans from the back of my throat that came out uncontrollably.

We were suddenly interrupted by pounding at the door. "This is the police! Everyone out of their rooms now!"

Holy fuck! Why were the police here?

Edward and I both stopped in our tracks, and he helped me up and get dressed. I was panicking. My father was going to kill me.

"Edward. I can't have the police know I'm here. My father is Chief. He'll know."

Edward's face meant he wanted to protect me, so he walked over to the closet and opened the door. "Stay in here and I'll come back for you."

I was petrified and shaking. He gave me a blanket to cover me and before he left, his arms came around my waist and pulled me towards him. I could feel his hardness rub against my thigh. He still desired me even after all this craziness. He leaned down and kissed my lips. They felt bruised from his long kiss, but I didn't care at that moment. I wanted to remember the feeling of his warmth on my lips.

He closed the closet door, paused for a moment to give himself some time. Then I could hear him opening the bedroom door.

"Hello, Officer." He was so calm when answering.

"Are you the only one here in this room?"

"Yes. Just me. I was resting in my room."

"Are you Edward Cullen?"

"Yes."

"So this is your residence?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, there's been a death reported here, so wanted to make sure you were aware."

"I'm sorry, who's passed away?"

"It's Mr. Pierce."

"Rob Pierce?"

"Yeah. Got a 9-1-1 call from here. Looks like the old man was having too much fun, if you know what I mean. Your parties, they're something else. Not illegal, but just something else."

"Does Alice know?"

"Alice?"

"Yes, his wife."

"She's downstairs. She's shaken up, but that's to be expected from a wife. But looks like she's soon going to be a rich widow. Old dying bastard was greedy with money, but loved that woman."

"I'll go talk to her soon. Is there anything else you need from me, Officer?"

"Nope, just have to take the body to the morgue and write up a report. Making sure there was no foul play here, but highly doubt it. Old Pierce was reaching his time anyways. Have a good night, Mr. Cullen."

"You too, Officer, and thank you."

It was silent for a moment, and the door finally closed. I heard footsteps coming closer to the closet. Edward opened the door. I was in shell shock not only because of everything I heard, but because he removed his mask. He was astonishing to look at.

"Bella. Are you alright?"

I nodded my head.

"Did you hear any of that conversation?"

I nodded my head again.

"Poor Alice." That's all I could say.

"Don't feel sorry for her. She's soon to inherit billions. The only problem is Rob Pierce was a smart guy, and he liked younger women. A lot. If he had saw you tonight first, I'm sure he would have killed me to get to you. But don't worry, I would have never allowed it."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"He knew Alice was only into his money, I mean why else would a woman like her show interest in an old man? He had his will changed, so she would inherit nothing. She doesn't know he changed it. Or at least I don't think she does. Unless she did and then decided to kill him. Who knows, it's only speculation."

"Oh my God, Edward! Jasper!"

"All this going on tonight, and you're worried about Jasper?"

"I'm sorry. I thought there was an understanding about all these type of events, and who belonged to whom at the end of the night."

He suddenly changed his mood and seemed cold. He turned away from me, and spoke with a soft monotone voice.

"You're right. Have a good evening, Bella. I'm sure Jasper is waiting for you downstairs."

I didn't want him to feel this way. How was I going to rectify this? But I was never going to see him again. This event wasn't what I had expected, and I wasn't going to return.

I placed my hand on his back shoulder, "I'm sorry, Edward."

His shoulders stiffened at my touch, and I felt terrible. Alice was right. Tonight I was not going to forget this night, but I may be regretting it now.

"Good night, Edward."

"Good night, Bella."

I walked out of the room and wanted to cry. Why were my emotions taking over me? He meant nothing to me, yet I felt like I betrayed him. But it was Jasper that I had betrayed. I ran down the stairs and saw Jasper.

"Bella!"

I ran into his arms and cried into his shoulders. I couldn't stop the tears from pouring. "Please let's go home. I don't ever want to come back."

"Sure thing, Bella, I want to go home too."

•••••••••

A/N: Hi All! I'm giving this a try with Bella and Edward. This story has been contemplating in my head and I wanted to put it out before I would forget. Please let me know if you like this or not. Trying to find motivation. LOL! I'll still keep writing cause I love writing, so if you find yourself continuing to read this story, then thank you!

-kl