Bella's POV
Here I am, walking back to Charlie's house, hand in hand with Edward and my rump feeling like the fires of hell have just shot out the earth and landed on my butt. I can't get my head around what has just actually happened?
One minute I was standing my ground, letting Edward know that he has no control over my decisions. I am seventeen years of age, so I can do what I want, when I want to do them. The next minute, I am over his knee getting spanked like a 5 year old. To make matters worse, I was crying like one too!
My mind is all over the place as I try to make sense out of everything that has just occurred. Why would he do that to me? More to the point, why would he think that it is acceptable to do suck a thing?
I was brought back from my thoughts as Edward gingerly removed my coat. Silently, he made his way over to the front door to hang my coat back on the hanger I had not so long ago removed it from.
I have conflicted emotions as he slowly makes his way back to me. I want to run the distance between us and wrap my arms around him, pulling him close and breathing in his beautiful scent. At the same time, I want to slap his face, letting him know how much I disapprove of his recent treatment of me.
I will admit, slapping him is probably not the best idea I have ever had. I would only hurt myself and he wouldn't even feel it. "Sit down Bella." His voice was low, if I weren't facing him, watching his lips move as he said it, I'm not sure I would have known he had said a word.
"Why" I asked curtly. My anger clearly showing in my tone. "I would like to speak to you about what has just happened." Well this should be good, I thought as I made my way over to Charlie's two seater green sofa, walking around the dark wooden coffee table.
I slumped down, ready to hear his explanation, when the burning sensation in my behind was amplified to the point where I had no choice but to jump back to my feet and vigorously try to rub the sting away. The yelp that escaped my lips whilst doing so, only helped to increase my embarrassment tenfold.
Edward stood in front of me now, nothing but worry etched in to his marble face. "Bella. Are you ok?" His unneeded breathes escaping from him in quick succession. "I'm fine!" I snapped at him. Annoyed at his question because he is the cause of my discomfort.
A few seconds of preparation later, I slowly lowered myself down on to the sofa cushion. Even with my body tensed, I couldn't prevent the gasp I took that showed my pain. As soon as I had my breathing under control, I looked to Edward for him to start.
"Bella, I am sorry I had to do that to you just now, but I felt that you left me no other choice" "no other choice? Are you kidding me?" I couldn't control the volume of which my questions came out. "Bella, lower your voice, you're going to wake Charlie." Edward hissed.
I composed myself before calmly proceeding. "Edward, you can't control me! It's not fair for you to stop me from seeing my friend!" I'm sure the hurt I was feeling was evident on my face. "I can assure you, it was never my intention to control you Bella but past events have proven that you have no concept of self preservation. You run head first in to dangerous situations - whatever they may be. Never before have I met some one more prone to life threatening idiocy, than yourself."
How can I argue with that? Everything he has just said is nothing but the truth. The worst thing is, he knows that I know he is right. The smug look he is now sporting only serves to bring on another round of irritation in me. Just because he is right, doesn't mean I have to acknowledge it. Im going to fight for my right.
Looking at him sitting there, perched sideways on my sofa with his pale white hands entwined around one another and his arms resting on his thighs. His stunningly beautiful, any model would kill for, face with his reddish brown hair pointing in every direction. Wait... Where was I going with this?
Damn sexy vampire! Just looking at him makes me loose my trail of thought. If I was going to have a chance at winning this argument, as hard as it may be, I need to not look at Edward.
Edward's POV
Looking at my Bella, sitting there chewing on her bottom lip whilst her eyes dart around the room, looking at anything but me, I could tell she was mulling over what I have said to her. If there was ever a time I truly wished to be able to read her mind, it was now.
I decided it would be more productive if I were to let her come to a conclusion on her thoughts before I continued to inform her of my plans concerning the future of our relationship. I am fairly positive that she isn't going to like what I have to say, but it is something that I just have to do. I will not let her risk her life anymore!
I understand how difficult it is going to be for her to adjust to the rules I am about to set in place, considering she has never had rules before. Up until now, she has pretty much had to fend for herself, despite the fact that she had lived with her mother, Renee, until she came to Forks.
Renee is a kind hearted lady but she has the mind set of a child. The time I spent with her, around Bella's hospital bed, was fascinating to me. She is the exact opposite to Bella. She is a care free spirit, living for today and not giving a thought about tomorrow. whereas my Bella, although so young, knows exactly what she wants. Given, it's not what I would like for her but once she gets something in to her mysterious head, there is no stopping her.
Bella's steely determination set in her bright, chocolate eyes, let me know she is ready to talk. "Edward, maybe you're right about danger, it does seem to find me, wherever I am but you're wrong about the wolves... They would never hurt me!" The blank stare that followed her statement tells me she is thinking of something that contradicts the point she is trying to get across.
"Bella, the wolves are dangerous and they can't always control themselves. Look at Sam's imprintee Emily." I paused for a minute, to let the image of Emily Young enter her mind, the scars that mar her once beautiful face. "Those scars are the result of one moment of uncontrollable rage on Sam's part. He never intended on hurting Emily, she was too close to him when he phased and now she has to live with the effects of that rage for the rest of her life."
Bella sank back in to the sofa, looking like she had resigned but I knew her better than to think she would give up that easily. "I know what happened to Emily and most of what you said is true but they won't hurt me, Edward" still as stubborn as ever! "If it weren't for Jake and his pack, I'd be dead already! They saved me from Laurent and Victoria, I owe them my life. I trust them!"
Bella being naive is normally so endearing to me but this time I find myself feeling furious towards her. "Why can you not see that I am right, Bella? Why do you insist on endangering yourself by wanting to put your life in the hands of those werewolves?" I asked her, my fury showing through in my tone. The shock on her face at my sudden outburst calmed me instantly.
With my new, calm demeanour, I moved myself closer to her on the sofa and placed her warm, delicate hand in mine. "I'm sorry for scaring you, Bella." I told her as I rubbed small circles across the back of her hand. "When if think of you being hurt, or worse tears me apart. I cannot bear the thought of it! With that being said, I now realise what needs to be done to protect you."
"And what would that be exactly?" She asked me, petulantly but slightly nervous. She pulled her hand from mine and crossed her arms over her chest and raised her left eyebrow. "Oh Bella, please realise that I am doing this for you own good!" I tried to placate her before informing her of my plans.
"I have decided on some rules that I need you to abide by..." before I had the chance to continue, she jumped to her feet. "No way, you can't be serious?" She turned to walk away from me. I was next to her, holding her back by her arm in less than 1 tenth of a second. "Sit back down Bella, I haven't finished" "yeah, well I have!" She said through gritted teeth. "Get off me Edward, now!" "Not until you sit down and let me finish" I warned her. "Fuck this! I'll call Charlie..." She threatened me. "If that's what you want to do, go ahead... Whilst you're there, tell him I did this..." I turned her to the side and swatted her six times at vampire speed.
I knew her threat to call Charlie was an empty one but still, I was not about to let her continue with the vulgarity she has displayed today.
Bella's POV
Holy cow! I can't believe he has just hit me, again! Wow, my butt smarts! I'm struggling to form a coherent thought as all I can think about is the burning pain in my rear end.
I reached back and tried to pull my jeans away from my stinging skin, the difference was only minuscule but I kept doing it anyway. I half turned to face him, "Edward, will you stop smacking me?" I said in a whiny voice. My watery eyes making him not much more than a blur in my vision.
He picked me up and cradled me in his arms before sitting himself back down on the sofa, making sure to hang my butt between his thighs to lessen my discomfort. "My love, I don't want to have to take you in hand like this, but I will continue to do so until you behave yourself. No more cussing, do you hear me?" I nodded my head in response. "Good girl!" He kissed me lightly on the top of my head.
As silly as this sounds, sitting here cradled in Edward's arms after he has just reprimanded me, I can honestly say that I've never felt so loved, burning butt and all. I am so content right now, I could stay in this position for the rest of the day. The fact that it is not yet 6:30 in the morning, was not lost on me.
I'm sat here, silently relishing in the love I can feel emanating from Edward, thinking of our time we have spent together when Charlie's heavy footsteps from up above broke me from my reverie. I knew I had to change my position as he wouldn't be best pleased if he came down to find Edward holding me like this. I waited until I heard Charlie closing the bathroom door until I begrudgingly got to my feet.
"Morning Dad" I called out as Charlie came down the stairs. Although I always refer to him as Charlie, I call him Dad when I am speaking directly to him. I suppose growing up only seeing him once, maybe twice a year, it was easy to see him like an uncle or family friend rather than a father. "Good morning Bells" he greeted me back.
"Would you like me to make you some breakfast?" I offered "aw, yes please, Bells!" Charlie answered as he let out a rather loud yawn, whilst stretching himself till he was almost able to touch the ceiling. "You go and get yourself dressed and I'll get started." On his way back up the stairs, I didn't miss the unapproved glance he threw at Edward, but thankfully he kept his opinions to himself.
Fifteen minutes later, Charlie stepped in to the kitchen, fully dressed in his police uniform. Charlie was the chief of police here in Forks. "Mmmm smells good" he announced appreciatively. I plated up his sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, beans and toast and served it to him at the kitchen table.
"Aren't you having any?" He asked "no, I'm not hungry" I lied. The truth is, the thought of sitting on one of the hard, wooden, kitchen chairs was far from appealing. I decided to hang around the kitchen and talk pleasantries with Charlie, whilst I washed the pots and pans I used to cook breakfast, before he went to work.
By 7:20, he was heading out the door, "Be good you two" was his parting words as the door closed behind him. Mentally I wished he would come back. I wasn't looking forward to the conversation I was about to have with Edward and I would do anything to put it off.
I stood in front of Edward, still not wanting to sit down. "Sooo" I said meekly, letting him know that I was ready to talk. "Would you like to sit back on my lap?" He asked me. I took him up on his offer eagerly. I worked my way in to the same position I was in before Charlie made an appearance.
Edward's POV
With Bella cradled back in my arms, I unnecessarily cleared my throat before I began. "How are you feeling Bella?" "I'm a little sore but apart from that, I'm fine!" She told me. I should have known she would say that as she normally does, regardless of whether she is okay or not. In truth, I have really come to despise the word 'fine'.
"Are you ready to hear what I have to say? I don't want no more childish outbursts!" I warned her. "I'm ready" she said, once more biting on her bottom lip. She always looks so cute when she does that! "That's good to hear!" I shifted her round slightly so we were face to face.
"Bella, like I said before, I have decided on some rules that I need you to abide by, failure to do so will result in a very sore behind on your part." I let that sink in before I continued. "Do you understand what I'm saying, Bella?" "I do but, what exactly are these rules you want me to follow?" Well, at least she is being rational this time, I thought to myself.
"Rule number 1: you are to never go anywhere without your cellphone. I want to be able to get in touch with you at anytime I need to!" "Okay, I can do that" she informed me.
"Rule number 2: you are to let me know of any plans you have. I want to know where you plan to go and who you are planning to go with!" Her mouth flew open and little creases were starting to form between her eyebrows as they slightly pulled down over her eyes. "Are you serious, Edward? You want me to check in with you before I do anything? Like you're my father? Please tell me you're joking?" "I am deadly serious, Bella!" "Well forget it, I'm not having it, you are being absolutely ridiculous!" She tried to pull herself off my knee.
"Bella, calm down!" I warned her, holding her just tight enough to keep her in place. There was only one more rule left and I wanted to get this conversation over and done with. "But..." "No buts, just listen" she rolled her eyes and huffed at me but she stilled herself and said no more.
"Rule number 3: under no circumstances are you to be around any werewolves or to go anywhere near LaPush!" This was the big rule, the one I know she will have the biggest problem with and judging by her face, I was right!
Bella's POV
"No... No way... Nu uh.. I'm not doing it! I can't believe you would try and impose something like that? You can shove your rules up your ass! I will see Jake, no matter what you say!"
Am I having another nightmare? This can't be real! As I was about to protest some more, I suddenly felt myself being raised and swiftly turned over so I was face down over Edwards lap, my face just inches away from Charlie's wood effect, linoleum floor.
"Please Edward, don't do this, I'm sorry!" I begged him. I really can't take another spanking! This is way too much, I'm going to need a new butt after today.
"I warned you about cussing, didn't I?" He said and I felt his left arm wrap around my waist as he pinned as he pulled me in, closer to him. "Oh, no Edward, please... Please... Please... Don't?" My attempts at getting him to stop were futile.
He began to spank me, not overly hard but my backside was still hurting from the earlier assault it had suffered, so the burning sensation started straight away. My tears came thick and fast as he rained down blow after blow on my already, well spanked derrière.
Before I had even realised I had done it, I reached my right hand back in an attempt to protect myself and like he had the first time, he pinned it to the small of my back without even breaking his rhythm.
I tried to beg again through my sobs. "Ooowww Edward... P.. Please... St... Stooop..." My legs start scissor kicking and my whole body bucks up and down. I feel a smack on my left cheek, then a smack on my right cheek, left cheek, right cheek, left, right, left, right, left, right... "Ooww ooowwww ooowwwwieeee st...st... STOOOPPP!"
The pain engulfed me. I was completely exhausted through struggling and sobbing, I couldn't take anymore. My whole body went limp. I draped over his lap and completely gave in to him.
I felt Edward lower his left leg and raise his right simultaneously and I knew from my earlier experience, what was about to happen but I had no energy or fight left in me, so I just scrunched my eyes shut and prayed for it to be over.
With my sit spots in the ready position, I received 10 hard and firm swats to each side. By the time he had finished, I was a blubbering mess. I couldn't get out a single coherent sound.
Edward's POV
Seeing my love in this much pain is breaking my un-beating heart. What's worse is knowing that I am the cause of her pain. I hope she can forgive me for doing this to her?
I left her laying over my lap, rubbing small, calming circles on her back. Her sobbing seems relentless. After five straight minutes, they started to die off and I could tell she was trying to regain control of herself. A further three minutes later, her cries had gave way to a whimper before they completely subsided.
Once I was completely sure her cries had ended and she was back in control, I gingerly picked her up and laid her against my chest, her head snuggled in to the crook of my neck. She didn't move an inch of her body whilst I done so. She was completely spent and I knew it.
She never said a word as I just sat there and held her. Roughly 10 minutes later, her breathing went heavy and I knew she had fell asleep. Slowly I picked her up, careful not to move her too much so as not to wake her and made my way up the stairs to her bedroom.
Outside her room, I shifted her so I was holding her in one arm and opened her door with my free hand. I walked in and pushed the cover of her bed further over to the other side of the bed before gently laying her down on her left side, careful not to put on pressure in her bottom. I removed her boots and pulled the cover over her still, sleeping body.
Like I did a couple of hours earlier, I laid down next to her to watch her as she slept. I moved the hair that had fallen over her face and tucked it behind her ear and ever so gently kissed the tip of her nose. "I love you, Bella" I whispered to her before resting my head on the pillow next to her.