A/N First and foremost a HUGE thank you to my fucktastic beta changedbyedward, you keep me sane!! Second a shout out yo my girl Militza, thank you for helping me out on those late nights!!
This is a LONG chapter, I know I am spoiling you!! It is not my fault, Edward just thinks too much.
Housework---Red Mills is a real place in Seattle, BUT it is NOT within walking distance to the zoo. I know, I just needed it to be, so in my little AU world it is, so there.
I do not own a mansion, a Lamborghini, a yacht, oh yeah OR TWILIGHT. I just borrow our friends for my twisted little tale. Happy reading and psssst REVIEW please!!
Edward POV
Due to where our mission was currently stationed and their lack of modern technology, I was only able to speak with Esme over the phone once per month. Although she sent me countless letters, by the time our mail arrived she had already relayed the contents of them during one of our phone conversations. Our conversations were always pleasant and we mostly spoke of Emmett, the church, or the hospital. Occasionally she would explain a case that she found particularly interesting or relay some of the newest gossip in town. I always enjoyed her letters because she always made an effort to make me smile and laugh. When I read, "I met my first dominatrix today," I wasn't sure if she was joking. She spoke of how this dominatrix had recently opened a club in town and was making sizable contributions to the woman's shelter. She continued on to talk about Isabella Swan, a volunteer at the shelter, who also counseled at the hospital. Esme said that she and Isabella had formed a close friendship and that she was looking forward to introducing the two of us. I had never once thought that Bella and the dominatrix were one and the same.
"Not until now," I thought aloud as I slumped against her car waiting for her to return with some water. I tried to tell her that I was okay but she would have none of it.
"I just scared the shit out of you and damn near caused you to faint. Now, just sit there and let me get you some water," she had said with a smirk.
"Yes ma'am," I grinned, leaning against her car.
I had watched her walk away, amazed by her confidence and poise. I realized that I could see the dominatrix in her. Originally, when I heard dominatrix, I had expected to see a black haired, leather clad, whip wielding, lion of a woman. I never dreamt it would be the petite beauty I found when I arrived. But, when I saw those items in her trunk, everything made sense. Why did I have to freak out when she was only making a joke? I guess that 'naive choir boy' really does fit. It was not as if I had no experience with women, I just didn't have THAT kind of experience. I was never interested in just having a physical relationship; I wanted the love that my parents had always shared.
"Off in 'la-la' land?" Bella asked, handing me a bottle of water and taking a sip out of her own bottle.
Looking at her from this angle showed every curve of her body perfectly. How I would love to see that leather outfit snug against her curves. Wait, what am I thinking? This woman is my mother's friend and I need to have more respect for her than that. "Something like that, thank you... for the water." The cool liquid felt good on my dry throat. My palms were sweaty and my stomach was in knots. I felt like I was seventeen again.
"It's the least I could do. Sorry about my sick idea of a joke. I thought for sure that Esme had given you some form of advance warning."
She had given me advance notice; I just didn't connect the dots. "She doesn't tell me everything, and well, that sort of information doesn't make for the best dinner conversation." A light flush formed on her cheeks as she offered me her hand to help me up. When our hands touched, I felt a spark run from my arm up through my torso.
"Why don't we go get a bite to eat and I'll let you ask me twenty questions," she said, helping me up. I let my hand linger on hers, not wanting to lose her touch. She smiled and we finished with my luggage and got into her car.
"Twenty questions, huh... any rules?" I already had half the questions formed in my brain. I had never been so intrigued by any woman before. I had just met her, but I didn't think that I would be able to stay away from her.
"No rules. You can ask me anything you like and I am bound to give you the absolute honest truth." I was pretty sure that I was going to like the game and was thinking about it when she continued, "Now, what do you eat?"
"Food," I said, grinning back at her. Two could play this game.
"Ooo, choir boy has a funny side." For the first time, that particular nickname did not hold its usual sting for me. "Let me rephrase it for you then. What type of food does your palate prefer?"
"How about a good old fashioned Red Mills hamburger? They're only a few blocks away from the zoo. If you don't have any previous engagements for this afternoon, we could check out Tanya the Chimpanzee." I was never a big fan of the zoo, but I needed an excuse to spend as much time with her as possible.
"Actually, Edward, Red Mills and some monkeys sounds like an excellent idea." She pulled onto I-5 and in a short time, we were pulling into Red Mills.
"I hope that you've been thinking about your twenty questions because the offer expires at midnight and there is no glass slipper." She made her way to the counter and began ordering her food. Before she was able to pull out her wallet, I added my order and swiped my card.
"What? Am I the only one who doesn't think that chivalry is dead?" She shook her head at me while I followed her to a table set back into the corner of the restaurant. There wasn't very much traffic so we would be able to speak freely without too many interruptions. She seemed to be giving me the privacy I needed to be comfortable asking the questions that I really wanted answers to.
"So, would you like to eat first or start the questions?" she asked, looking up from unloading the tray with anticipation in her eyes. I had to be reading her wrong because there was no way that she would be wanting me the way I did her. The only thing that I could do was utilize every moment that I had with her and hope that I could make a small impression on her life. I decided to begin with an easy question… for me. I was going to make the game a marathon, not a sprint.
"What, exactly, do you do for a living?" Esme had given me a brief description by telling me that Bella owned a club and did charity work. I wanted to find out how she made her money, what she did for fun, and what made her tick.
"Well, professionally I'm a partial owner of NiteTime Boutique, which I share with my two best friends. I'm also the proud owner of Domination Station, Seattle's newest club." She grinned and took a bite out of her burger. I knew about the club and the boutique, and that they were both flourishing. I took a bite of my own burger while I contemplated how to word the next question so that I would get the desired answer. She wasn't going to make it easy on me, but I had all the time in the world.
"What were those things I saw in your trunk?" As much as I hated it, I could feel the heat on my cheeks signifying the crimson blush that was now visible to Bella. She giggled before placing her hand over her mouth. The sound made my pulse quicken, it was the best sound I have ever heard.
"There was a set of handcuffs, my favorite bullwhip, and my leather catsuit," she said with her big brown eyes locked on mine. She was judging my reactions, probably waiting for disgust or embarrassment. She wasn't going to find either of those in my face though. Intrigue and affection were the only emotions I was feeling at that moment. With every new piece of information, I wanted to know more.
"Why were those items in your trunk?" I was wondering if she had plans for later that evening or if she had forgotten to remove them after the previous night. Then, I began to wonder if I really wanted to know the answer to that question. Just the thought of her using any of her… toys… with another man made me ill, which was absurd. I had no right being jealous, but I was.
"Because I put them there." A triumphant smirk crossed her face as she answered. She was too good at this game and as much as I didn't want to hear the answer, I had to know.
"What were you going to do with those items?" I hoped that would get me the answer I was looking for. Good job, Cullen, now breathe, she isn't yours.
"Before I answer that question, you have to do something for me. I want to hear you say the names of 'those items.'" I had not intentionally avoided calling them by name; it was simply out of habit. I was brought up to never talk about such things. We all knew about sex, but no one ever spoke about it on purpose. However, if I wanted to get any more answers out of her, I was going to have to compromise. I swallowed some of my drink.
"What were you going to do with the whip, handcuffs, and catsuit, Bella?" I smiled my best crooked grin as I asked and was rewarded by a look of pride and a brilliant smile.
"I was going to stop by the club later and set up my classroom. My classes start next week and I'll need them as examples." Esme had never said anything about classes. What kind of class could she be teaching that would need those particular items as examples? At least she wasn't using them on anyone else, I didn't think. I swallowed hard to get the lump in my throat to go down.
"What do you teach in your classes?" I wanted to know more. As I watched, she began fidgeting and tearing small pieces off her bun before she answered.
"The class is called Safe, Sane and Consensual. It teaches the fundamentals of BDSM for couples. I offer it to anyone who is interested in broadening their sexual experiences and fulfilling their fantasies." Once again, she was staring at me with those exquisite chocolate brown eyes. Before my mind could register what was happening, my mouth spoke.
"Are there any spots still open in your class?" She looked at me in surprise. What did I just ask?
"Actually, I just gave my last two spots to Esme for her Auction. If you want one you're going to have to bid for it. I will warn you though, you have to be serious about wanting to learn. I don't want anyone in my class who is not going to take it seriously, or who is going to judge others by what they do." She was exuding a new attitude. Did she think that I was going to judge her for what she does? I desperately wanted this woman to know me, to know that I would never be able to look down on her, to know how I admired her.
"First, I would never take that much time away from my schedule to do anything that I wasn't interested in. Second, I don't judge others. I give each person a clean slate from the first time I meet them. No matter what they have done in life, everyone has their reasons behind it. It might do you well to take the same advice. I'm not the one judging another book by its cover at the moment." I hadn't meant to come across so stern, but something in me had snapped. I hated being judged by who my parents were instead of for myself. I realized it wasn't her fault, as she didn't want to be judged either.
"You're right and for that I'm sorry. I should be the first to admit that you can't tell what a person is like on the inside by what they do or how they look. I've encountered a vastly diverse group of people through the years and have been surprised on more than one occasion." She thought for a moment and then coyly asked, "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
What could she possibly want to know about me? "Ask the question and then I'll let you know if I'm going to answer it now, or when you get your twenty questions." I figured it was as good an excuse as any to set up another date with her. I already knew that I would never have the strength to stay away with her.
"How... hmm... how experienced are you... sexually?" I saw a light flush darken her cheeks. Before I had a chance to answer, a perky brunette glided up to our table. She was wearing a Red Mills t-shirt and her nametag read "Militza."
"How's everything going over here? Can I get you anything else or get these trays out of your way?" She had an attractive smile and gestured towards our trays as she spoke.
"Thank you, but I believe we're fine. Bella, do you need anything?" I noticed that the waitress quickly glanced at Bella, as if she just realized that she was sitting there.
"Yea, no, we're fine. We'll be out of your hair in no time, hon." Bella gave a simple smile before returning her gaze to me. She bit into a French fry before raising her brows and waving her hand, urging me to answer her question. I waited as Militza gave me one last look before hurrying back to the counter. I thought I heard giggling, but decided that it must be from another table. I had already decided to make Bella wait for my answer for two reasons. One, I wanted an excuse to see her again, and two, I wasn't ready to admit the one thing that might keep us apart, my virginity.
"I think I'm going to make you wait for the answer to that question. Today is about me getting to know you. You'll have your chance to ask questions later," I said, flashing a crooked smile. I was rewarded with the same light blush on her cheeks that I had seen before. I decided to lighten up the questions for a little bit and get her mind off my experience, or lack thereof.
"What do you like to do in your spare time?" She gave me a puzzled look before answering.
"Between the boutique, the club, and my classes, I don't get much of that. I'm also volunteering at the hospital and taking kick boxing lessons at a local gym. If, by some miracle, I get some time to myself, I like to curl up with a good book and my MP3 player. I'm a very open-minded person and will try anything at least once. Alice and Rose have made sure to hold me to that on more than one occasion." She tossed another French fry into her mouth indicating the end of her answer.
Was I ready for the question that I had wanted to ask since learning of this little game? Are you a dominatrix? Just saying it in my head made my palms sweat. I didn't think I was ready to ask that yet.
"What's your favorite color?" That was a fabulous question, Cullen. Why don't you grow up and ask her what you really want to know next time?
"Can chameleon be a color? I was never very good at that question. I'm very indecisive and can never pick just one. So, yes, I'm going to go with chameleon and blend in with my environment." She hadn't struck me as indecisive, but that was interesting. Maybe it wasn't a useless question after all. "Are you a dominatrix?" was practically screaming inside my head. I just needed a little bit more time, maybe after we finished the rest of our food and were back in her car.
"Let's take a break from the questions until after we get out of here, okay?" I knew I was stalling. I just hoped she didn't notice. I planned to ask the question as soon as we got outside.
"Yea sure, I'm almost done. Is the zoo close enough for us to walk? I'd hate to miss such a beautiful day." Surprisingly enough, it was an abnormally sunny day in the great state of Washington. The zoo was only a couple of blocks away and stretching my legs would feel great.
"Walking sounds great."
We finished the last of our meal and threw our trash in the receptacle before beginning our walk. Just as we were stepping off the curb, Bella's shoe got caught and she fell against my chest. Instinctively, my arms wrapped around her slender body to keep her from falling to the ground. In that moment, everything felt right. Her body against mine was exhilarating. Her scent, intoxicating. I could feel her heart rate increase as her hands moved on my arms.
"Edward," she said, looking up at me with those deep, expressive eyes. I felt myself lean into her. It was as though her body was calling to mine and I was helpless to stop myself. She was watching me, a thousand emotions running across her face before she quickly pulled away, carefully stepping back on the curb.
"Before we go any further, I have to tell you something." I knew what she was going to say. She wasn't interested in me in that way and she just wanted to be friends. "I'm a huge klutz, so if there are any injuries during this walk, please don't sue me." I let out a sigh and couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face.
"Good thing I have a medical degree," I said, grinning at her. She laughed as she casually brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. My hand twitched as I longed to be the one touching her that way. I could almost feel the softness of her skin as I cupped her cheek in the palm of my hand, the silkiness of her hair on my fingers.
"Edward... earth to Edward?" She snapped her fingers inches from my nose, pulling me out of my fantasy. "Do you need a moment? You seem to wander into la-la land a lot," she commented with a smirk on her face. I shook my head in an attempt to gather my thoughts. If only she knew what I was thinking about, what I was longing to do to her.
"Sorry... yea… no, I'm fine, it's just... I have a lot on my mind." Smooth, Cullen. What if she asks what's on your mind? Work… I could always tell her it was about work…
"I've been gone from my practice for six months and I was just thinking of some of the things that I'm going to need to do when I go in tomorrow." Good save, Cullen, I hope she buys it.
She looked up and beamed her beautiful smile, but something about it seemed off. She had a confused look in her eye, like she was fighting an internal battle. Her brows began to furrow as my heart began to race.
"Edward... um... what I mean… were you going to kiss me?"
Crap! Now what do I say? If I say yes and she isn't interested, then everything will be all awkward and we won't be able to remain friends. If I say no and she IS interested, then I would ruin a chance of becoming more than just friends. Do I need to answer? We already agreed that this was MY twenty questions. I knew that she wouldn't forget and eventually I would have to answer her. "Are you a dominatrix?" Am I ready to play that card?
"Are you okay?" she asked, taking a step closer. She placed her hand on my shoulder and my heart skipped a beat. All I wanted to do was take her in my arms and feel her lips against mine. I had to say something before I ruined everything.
"Are you a dominatrix?" I blurted out. I was horrified. She just looked at me, took my hand, and started walking towards the zoo.
"I'll answer if you promise to keep breathing," she said, laughing. I released the breath that I hadn't realized I was holding.
I did my part and wrote this little drama and now it is your turn to hit the little button and review!! Let me know what you think and also what questions you want to hear Edward ask. I would also like to know if you want the next chapter to stay in Edward's POV or see what Bella is thinking. The more reviews the faster I update. They are like chocolate!!