A/N: Here's chapter four! Please leave a review with any comments or questions you have about the story so far.

I just want to say how upset I am over the news of Kristen's affair. I hate knowing that Rob is hurting right now and wish he didn't have to deal with this with the world watching. Rob fans always say Kristen is the luckiest girl for getting to be with him and I'm disappointed in her for not knowing how good she had it...


Chapter Four:

BPOV

I woke up Sunday morning with a bit of a hangover. I'd had three drinks the night before and it never takes much to make me regret alcohol intake of any kind. I shower and dress in casual clothes since Sunday is my lazy day. I'm determined to finish my library book before the weekend is over so I curl up on the sofa with a cup of coffee and start reading. About an hour later my phone rings so I reach for it on the coffee table.

"Hey, Jake," I answer cheerfully.

"Hey, Bells. Where have you been all weekend? I thought we we're going to hang?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I completely forgot."

I'd mentioned to him earlier in the week that I was going out Friday but would be free Saturday if he wanted to come into town. Jake still lives in Forks where he and I grew up. I hadn't meant to blow him off but my brain was fried from an Edward Cullen overdose.

"Sooo, where were you? You meet a guy or something?" he teases.

"Not exactly," I reply. I don't want to get into my visits to Coming Attractions this weekend. Jacob is one of two people who know about my lifestyle but he is not very supportive.

"Please don't tell me you were home watching reruns of the news when we could have been out having fun..."

Oh, and Jacob also knows about my infatuation with the channel 6 anchorman. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. Or get a new best friend. Unfortunately Jake's been it for all 24 years of my life and he knows everything there is to know about me. He isn't going to let this go so I decide to bite the bullet and be honest. He can usually tell when I'm lying anyway.

"I wasn't watching reruns," I insist. "I was at the club. Friday was my big debut."

"Big debut? You mean… you actually did that in front of people?" His tone sounds repulsed but I expected as much.

"It was amazing, Jacob! Even better than I thought it would be," I gush.

"Ugh, Bella…" he groans.

Jake had been hoping I'd get cold feet and cancel my plans for performing in the theater. I can't even tell him why Friday night was beyond spectacular. As a member of the club I need to protect the identity of the other members. I can't tell Jake or anyone else that Edward was there.

"I'm worried about you, Bella. I thought after Banner you'd be done with all this," he mutters.

"I told you it wasn't a phase. I need it, Jake," I explain beginning to feel a little self conscious.

"What you need is some sense knocked into you. Maybe I should tell Charlie about your extracurricular activities? That would sure give you a reality check," he threatens.

"You wouldn't dare, Jacob Black!" I yell into the phone.

"You keep saying this lifestyle is nothing to be ashamed of, Bells, yet you don't want anyone to know about it. It doesn't make sense."

"I swear to God if you so much as hint any of this to my dad I'm going to tell Billy how you acquired that master cylinder last year!" I reply with rage in my voice.

He's silent on the other end. Feeling like my blackmail might be working I add, "Tell me Jake, is it still considered prostitution if your client pays in engine parts?"

"Shut up Bella. That wasn't just about the Rabbit and you know it."

"Sure, Jake. Sure. Fucking Leah was just something you'd always wanted to do," I growl. I've got him now. After 22 years of friendship we've got so much dirt on each other he knows better than to even try this game with me.

"Jesus, Bells, you've gotten mean."

"And you've gotten nosy and overbearing."

"I've always been that way. It's my job to protect you. You're like my little sister, Bella," he says in a softer tone.

"Even though I'm two years older," I remind him.

"I'm talking size, not age," he replies. This is our running joke as Jake is nearly a foot taller than me.

"The club is perfectly safe. There are always other people around and I never go home with anyone."

"I worry about you since you moved to Port Angeles. If something happened it would take me an hour to get to you," he adds.

"No one is going to kidnap me and chain me up in their dungeon, Jacob," I say sarcastically.

"I thought that was the whole point," he jabs.

I sigh. "It's really not as gruesome as you're imagining. Maybe if you came one night and saw for yourself…"

"Have you lost your mind? I'm not going to some creepy club to watch you fuck some stranger!"

"Not me, pervert! I meant watch another couple. Now that I think of it, I doubt they'd even let you in since you're not a member… and clearly hostile."

"Good," he replies sourly.

"I don't want to fight about this again. And I don't want to have to lie about where I am on weekends so can you please just trust me that I'm okay?"

I heard him sigh overdramatically and then mutter something under his breath.

"So when am I going to see you again?" he grumbles.

"Next Sunday? I won't forget this time," I promise.

"Alright. I'll make sure I'm around."

"Okay. Bye, Jakey. I love you," I say in my sweetest most innocent voice.

"I love you too, Bells," he replies sounding defeated.

I toss the phone onto the table and lay back against the soft cushions. I hate fighting with Jake about a part of myself I can't change. It hurts my feelings to know he considers it something wrong with me; like I'm somehow defective. He doesn't understand how much better I feel about myself since finally embracing this lifestyle. Jake has not only been my best friend in the world since we were toddlers but he was also my prom date, first kiss, first boyfriend, and first sexual partner. There isn't a single memory I hold dear that doesn't have Jacob in it.

He and I dated in high school because we did everything else together; we figured why not try being a couple. It seemed like a natural progression for our friendship. He was a good lover but every time we had sex I would pretend to be tied to the bed, held against my will, in order to get off. I couldn't tell him that, and at the time I didn't even understand why I was doing it. After six months or so we'd both had enough and decided friends were all we were ever going to be. In college we dated other people and had no trouble telling each other about dates or relationships. Our friendship had never been stronger.

When I met Josh it felt perfectly natural to tell Jake about him. After a few dates Josh admitted his interest in D/S play and my education on the subject commenced. I told Jake about how he would spank me and tie me up and Jake got extremely upset. He accused Josh of abusing me and it took a lot of convincing to make him see that I wasn't being hurt and it wasn't only Josh who liked doing those things.

Our relationship didn't last long but Josh had opened my eyes to a world I didn't know existed, and one I desperately wanted to join. As I learned more about the D/S lifestyle and began my relationship with my old high school teacher, Mr. Banner, I tried to be open and honest with my best friend. I needed someone to talk to other than my new Dom but Jacob just couldn't handle it. It's unfortunately still a touchy subject. Now I usually talk to Angela when I need to vent or have something exciting to share. She doesn't partake in the lifestyle either but is much more tolerant of it than Jake. She sees that it makes me happy and that's enough for her.

I sigh deeply and roll myself onto the floor. I reach my arms over my head stretching out my muscles. Feeling like I need to get out of the house I decide to go for a walk in the rain. I put on my pink goulashes and root through the closet for the matching umbrella. After locking the front door to my apartment I hop over a few puddles and then sink down into the middle of the largest one splashing water all around me. My apartment is eight blocks from the boardwalk and the change of scenery improves my mood instantly. It isn't tourist season and the rain usually keeps the locals indoors. The constant rains used to bother me growing up but now I find it comforting. While everything about my life has changed over time, some good and some bad, at least I can always count on the weather to remain constant.

By the time I reach the first shop on the boardwalk my mind has wandered to Edward. I'd been trying all day not to think about him but am now running low on distractions. I regret the way I left him the night before but seeing that gorgeous woman with him made me incredibly self conscious. I didn't know why he was talking to me at all when that woman seemed more than happy to run off to a coatroom with him. I'm not naïve enough to think he doesn't have admirers all over the club but it bothered me that he got up in the middle of our conversation to talk to her. I wondered if maybe my inappropriate question was what made him excuse himself from the table. It was none of my business what they were discussing amongst the coats but I couldn't help the strong desire I had to find out. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop myself from asking him when he returned, just like I couldn't stop myself from asking about his number of sexual partners. So I did the only think I could think of; I fled the scene.

At least I left a note.

I already knew Edward was the most beautiful person I'd ever met but I was fast discovering he was also the most interesting. He caught me completely off guard when he invited me to meet him at the club on Thursday. I hadn't thought to ask who would be performing and I honestly didn't care. I just hope I can control myself better than last night, especially if Edward will be watching for my reactions. I was surprised when he encouraged me to sign up for another performance with him. I guess Alice was right about his response to me. It makes me feel special to know Edward wants to play again and now that I've had a piece of Edward Cullen there is no way of going back. Not that I want to. I want him in my life and I will accept him in any capacity he allows.

The rain is practically teeming now so I walk another two blocks and then head back in the direction of my home. The rest of the day I do laundry and tidy up around the apartment. My oven timer dings at six o'clock and I race into the living room to turn on the television. Then I remember it's Sunday and the weekend guy will be reading the news. I curse angrily under my breath and drag my feet back to my bedroom where I was folding laundry sensing that it's going to be a long night.

The next few days fortunately pass quicker than I expect. Mondays are usually busy with Mr. Coleman. He always asks me to pick up his prescriptions from the drug store and his groceries for the week. Usually there are a few checks to deposit at the bank and maybe some dry cleaning, nothing an experienced personal shopper like me couldn't handle. Wednesdays are more challenging. Mrs. De Simone asks me to find some French perfume she saw advertized in a magazine and I spend over an hour on the phone with a saleslady in Paris who barely speaks English. I have to pick her daughter up from piano lessons and then take her to the mall to find clothes for school. We spend three hours going in and out of trendy teen stores and the always charming Madison De Simone has me lug around all her purchases.

Thursday morning I wake up with a spring in my step and I know the reason without having to think hard. Unfortunately, I have a lot to accomplish today before I can see Edward at the club so I shower and dress in my usual t-shirt and jeans and eat a good breakfast. Thursdays I'm slotted to assist Mrs. Beagle with running her errands. First is her weekly visit to the hair dresser, then the book club meeting at the public library, and finally a stop at the fabric store before returning to the enormous home left to her by her third husband. Mrs. Beagle can sometimes be the most frustrating client I have but she is also the most interesting. She's lived a long and full life and today she talks about her trip to Mongolia while she crochets me another scarf and I dust around the knick knacks that cover every flat surface in the living room.

By the time I get home I'm tired but edgy and exited at the same time. I feel like I must smell of old lady so another shower is first on my list. I dawdle in the bathroom making sure I've shampooed my hair twice and moisturized my skin thoroughly. There really isn't a name for what I'm doing tonight so it's hard to decide what to wear. Edward hasn't asked me to be his sub so we won't be having a business meeting. It isn't a date either. Are we becoming friends? That is the most likely explanation I can think of for why he would invite me out to the club tonight. He seems interested in showing me what I've been missing in our lifestyle. Maybe I've become like a pet project for him. My pessimistic side wonders if I wasn't as good on stage as Edward had said and he hopes I'll learn a thing or two from watching another couple play.

I'm searching through my closet for an outfit appropriate for a date/friendly meeting/crash course to submission when I hear that vile oven timer. No, not tonight, I tell myself. That would be too weird. I'm going to see him in four hours. I can wait. Damn it, who am I kidding? I have no willpower. My hand reaches for the remote control out of habit and as the glow from the television fills my bedroom I instinctively drift over to the big comfortable bed and lay against the pillows. At exactly 6pm, my newscast erotica comes on screen and I sigh. Tonight he's wearing a black blazer over a tan dress shirt and a tie containing black, tan, and yellow stripes. He looks so professional and dignified behind that big desk with his notes in his hand. I just want to rip those papers from his hand and throw them into the air, climbing over the desk and into his lap as the papers float down to the floor around us. Why doesn't this program have one of the parental advisory warnings at the beginning? Porn should not be on TV at six o'clock!

My hands idly reach for the ties of my robe and I expose my still damp skin to TV Edward. He may be addressing thousands of viewers right now but I feel like those striking green eyes only see me; naked and offering myself to his capable hands.

Good evening, Port Angeles. Tonight's top story is…

I reach for the small vibrator kept in the bedside table and switch it on. I press it to my clit as I focus on Edward's report.

Iran has held multiple air, land, and sea maneuvers in recent months as tensions increase, while at the same time continuing to deny any interest in nuclear weapons...

Bella, I want you to put that toy inside you now and pretend it's my cock...

Iran asserts that the allegations of secret work on developing such arms are based on fabricated U.S. and Israeli intelligence…

I shut my eyes as images of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Middle East flash across the screen. When that velvety voice of an angel returns I open my eyes and feel another twinge of pleasure ripple through me.

In other news, witnesses at the Ediz Hook Bird Reservation claim another humpback whale was stranded in Port Angeles Harbor. The coast guard is asking people to abstain from approaching the whale in their boats…

Just as my muscles begin to tense and I feel my orgasm start to overwhelm me Edward segways into the weather report.

"No, no Edward! Not the weather… it's raining. We already know it's raining!" I pant. "Damn you, Cullen!"

Nothing kills the libido like Eric Yorkie's weather report.

tease my clit some more as I stare at the ceiling humming to myself to block out the sound of Port Angeles' most ineligible weatherman. After sixty seconds my eyes brave a glance at the television and Edward has returned. My release is barreling full steam ahead as I increase the vibe's speed and plunge it back into my center. I moan quietly as my free hand begins circling my clit. I remember how it felt to have his tongue on my pussy. My eyes stay focused on the television as I imagine Edward commanding me through the screen to keep my eyes on him as I come. I feel my muscles clenching and I hold nothing back; screaming out his name as my orgasm reeks havoc on my insides. I allow my heart some time to slow its rhythm and then begin teasing my swollen clit again. I find release a second time by the end of Edward's segment on sports news.

There's still plenty of time before I need to be out of the apartment so I make myself a light dinner and eat at the kitchen table. I generally enjoy living alone but mealtimes are the only parts of my day when I wish there was someone else here. Maybe I should get a bird.

Finally 9:30 arrives and it is time to leave for Coming Attractions. The cab drops me off in front of Rosalie's salon and the driver gives me a strange look. At a quarter to ten on a Thursday the salon is closed up and all the lights are out. I give him a tight smile and hand over a decent tip. Once he drives away I walk around back to the entrance of the club and immediately recognize the wall of muscle that greets me at the door.

"Good evening, Miss Swan. What brings you in on a weeknight?"

"Good evening, Emmett," I reply with a smile. "I've heard good things about Thursday nights."

"Well, tonight is certainly looking brighter now that your sweet ass is here," he says winking at me.

I blush and make my way inside. Emmett flirts with every woman who comes through the door. I swear it's in his job description to get our lady bits tingling as we enter the club. My own bits have no time to settle down because as soon as my eyes adjust to the dim lighting I spot Edward sitting at the bar. He looks up and sees me, a wide grin spreading across his face. I notice that he's still wearing the shirt and tie he wore during his newscast and I feel my panties getting ruined.

"Bella," he greets, standing to kiss my cheek.

He motions for me to sit on the stool next to him and I wobble a little while attempting to keep my skirt from riding up. Edward places his hand on the small of my back until I'm situated. I can feel the warmth of his skin radiating through the delicate fabric of my top. I smile and thank him as he sits down beside me.

"How are you?" he asks, his voice more sensual and arousing in person than on TV. I think I need a better sound system in my apartment because I've definitely been missing out.

"Very well, thank you. Have you come straight from work?" I ask, my eyes falling on his tie. The same tie I imagined being tightened over my eyes only hours earlier.

"You watched my broadcast?" he asks, amusement playing across his face.

I stiffly nod in utter humiliation for my gaff. I just admitted I watch him. I feel as if he somehow knows I use him as a masturbatory aid on a daily basis. Maybe it's not all that uncommon…

"I wasn't sure you recognized me," he clarifies sensing my embarrassment.

"Oh, yes," I mumble regaining some of my composure. "I follow the news," I add in a teasing tone.

"I'm sure you do," he replies with another grin.

"So who are we here to see tonight?" I ask desperate to change the subject.

"Hmm. I am here to see you," he says casually taking a sip of his beer. His eyes shift down the length of my body and then back to my face. He isn't very subtle about the assessment. "And you are here to see Peter and Charlotte. They've been playing together for years and I think you'll find their show fascinating."

I can't tell if he's flirting with me or just incredibly confident. In my experience, that eye fucking he just did is usually a good sign. Knowing my luck, I decide he's probably just messing with me now that he knows I stalk him with my DVR.

"Can I get you something to drink before we go into the theater?" he asks politely.

"One of those would be fine," I reply nodding towards his beer.

"Bianca? Two more please?" he calls to the bartender and then swallows the remaining contents of his bottle. "Let's go."

We take our drinks into the theater and Edward chooses seats in the back row. I sit down beside him and consider the impossibility of this past week. Six days ago it was us on that stage. I am dying to get back up there with him. I make a mental note to put my name on that mile long waiting list before I leave here tonight. The lights go dim after a few minutes and Edward turns to smile at me, his eyebrows raised in excitement. I return the expression and try to relax in my chair.

When the lights on stage brighten I see Charlotte kneeling in a waiting position on the floor. She is only wearing what appears to be a strap on clit vibrator. The stage is almost completely empty with the exception of the table for props and a Saint Andrews cross centered in the space. A whipping bench is off to one side. Peter has just appeared from behind the curtains and asked Charlotte to stand.

"Have you ever used that?" Edward whispers during the beginning of the scene. "It's called a butterfly."

I shake my head to respond that I hadn't. His arm brushes mine as he gestures towards the cross.

"What about that?" he asks.

I turn my head towards him as I reply, "No, but I've always wanted to." My eyes flicker briefly to meet his before turning them back to the stage. I know I'm blushing and am glad we're in the dark in case my cheeks stay red for the next hour.

We watch Peter and Charlotte in silence for a time. They have the best scene I've ever seen preformed in the months I've been coming to this theater. Throughout the performance Edward continues to lean close to me to whisper in my ear whenever he wants to explain something. The hair on the back of my neck stands out each time his breath passes over it.

Every movement Charlotte makes is practiced and smooth. Peter is a strict Dom with a deep powerful voice. Their ability to sense each other's emotions and signals is amazing to me.

"Charlotte is very graceful," I whisper as softly as I can in his ear.

"Yes, she's been with Peter a very long time. They're married," he replies.

"I never knew submission could be this beautiful," I confess.

Noticing I've inadvertently placed my hand on his forearm while speaking I carefully pull it back and fold my hands in my lap. Edward chuckles under his breath.

"I can't wait to get you back up there," he murmurs.

I feel my heart pick up tempo in the quiet of the audience and wonder if anyone else can hear it. I wish I knew what Edward's intentions are concerning me but at the moment I don't care. He can have as much or as little of me as he wishes. Just as long as he keeps whispering in my ear and flashing those perfect smiles.

When the scene ends I take a long breath of air and exhale slowly. I'm a little stunned by what I've seen. A few toys Peter used frightened me but above all I'm intrigued.

"Verdict?" Edward asks casually as we stand and stretch our legs.

"You were right. It was something I needed to see."

He smiles. "You care to elaborate on that?"

"Um," I say unintelligently, not sure how to frame my thoughts. There are so many whirling through my mind I can't separate them fast enough to reply.

"How about over coffee? There's a little place a few blocks away that's open late..."