B - We must thank all our loyal readers for the incredible reviews we've been getting as of late! We know who you are, and we always wonder what you'll guys say about the chapter as we write it - yeah, we're anal like that!! I loved writing this chapter - I got a kick out of the humor; I hope you do as well. Reviews, as always, are welcome and needed!! And, we still can't respond to them, unfortunatly, but that doesn't mean we don't relish in each and every one!!

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Disclaimer: We don't own Twilight - but, we do own a tiny obession with the masochistic man named, Rob.

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Give it back Becca!!! :( LOL!

Masen POV

I slammed the little black receiver down a little harder than intended. Mother dearest had just decided to call and interrogate me on my co-worker named "Bella Swan". Apparently, Bella went to her mother's dinner party as planned, and Esme just happened to hear that she worked at Twilight Publishing with me.

She then decided to - with utter most enthusiasm - say what a nice woman Bella is and how she just adores working under me (I snorted at that bloody comment) and that maybe I should get to know Bella a bit better. I put my head in between my hands and pulled slightly at the ends of my hair in frustration.

First, it was Bella's mom, Renee. When Bella had called me last night I was ecstatic. I wanted to apologize for being such a prat with her yesterday morning. I didn't mean for me to be harsh to her, it was just that the topic she wanted to discuss was a topic I didn't even want to go near. I tried to apologize and give logical reason on why I ran out of her apartment like a little tosser, but before I could get anything out, Bella quickly mumbled something about 'someone wants to talk to you' shit, and before I knew it, I heard a strange woman's voice on the other line.

Fuck - it was then that I realized it was Bella's mother. Trying to play it off, I acted the part of the 'nice guy' and agreed with Renee that it was a shame I couldn't make it and that we would have to reschedule. She then handed back the phone to Bella, and I heard Bella's scared, small voice.

Feeling pissed, irritated, and completely mortified, I hung up and vowed to do what needed to be done today - I had to break it off with Bella Swan, and this… this broke my bloody heart.

Fuck!

Just do it. It's not like you haven't done it before.

I've spent most of my dreadful morning avoiding the luscious woman I still craved for. I knew what I had to do; yet, when she was near me, or when I had a moment to do it, I couldn't ruddy do it. She would smile her fucking smile that basically screamed, 'please take me in your office and bend me over!', and not only would my dick stiffen, but my heart would break and I completely pussied out on breaking it off.

Get over it, Edward. This has run its course. When the parents get involved, that's when we bolt.

True. I completely panicked when not only did I have to talk to Bella's mother and play the 'boyfriend' card, but my mother - whom I loved and respected dearly, yet, honestly, barely acknowledged - calls me to inform me that I should 'play nice' with Bella as well.

To be honest, I had been playing nice with Bella.

Playing nice by bending her over my dining room table.

Playing nice while spanking her luscious ass when she's been naughty.

Playing nice when I wrap my fingers between her soft locks as she goes down on me.

Playing nice when…

Snap out of it, Masen!

I ran my hands over my face. I can do this; fuck, I need to do this.

I will finish things with Bella Swan.

My heart sank at that thought. What the fuck was wrong with me? Have I - the biggest womanizer known to man - fallen for the clumsy, foolish, word vomit Bella?

No.

No.

No?

I would miss Bella sexually, of course. Her pussy - hell, her whole body - felt like it was fucking made for me. But what else would I miss? Would it be the incessant mumbling in her sleep that caused me nightly insomnia? Or the way her body always ended up pressed tightly against mine in the morning? Or the sight of her naked body as she dressed? What about her school girl giggles that made me oh-so-hard? What about no more Bella, period?

Pussy!

I sighed. I was overanalyzing this shit and I needed to calm the fuck down.

"Mr. Masen?" my phone chirped.

I hit the buzzer. "Yes?" I asked, bored.

"A Ms. Heidi Deveraux is here to see you; she says that you're expecting her."

"Yes, send her in."

I straightened up in my lush leather chair and tried to look like a fucking boss, not some wallowing wanker who can't get over his… addiction.

A simple knock was heard on the door.

"Come in, please," I said authoritatively.

The door creaked open and a head of the most gorgeous towhead hair I've ever seen entered.

"Mr. Masen? I am Heidi."

Holy… fuck me.

This shit I was not ready for. Heidi was blonde, tall, and absolutely fucking gorgeous. Spidery long legs showed off by a mini-skirt and strappy 'fuck me' shoes, with a cleavage that any man would appreciate were enough to cause a shit-eating grin. She closed the door and stepped inside the office.

"My boss said you'd take care of me while I am here, oui?"

Oui, indeed.

Bella POV

I grabbed the folder for the upcoming release party that I have been diligently working on - Heidi Deveraux's, "A Slave to Lust: A True Erotica Story" and headed towards the large conference room to finally meet her. I have to tell the truth; I've read some of her endeavors and they are, kind-of, well, okay - incredibly hot.

Her books were one of the most popular 'erotica-romance novels', (code for 'literary porn'), that our publishing house handled. Deveraux's books were nothing more than a series of autobiographies that detailed her 'romantic' experiences throughout her life, and her constant struggle to find the man who could please her. This last book described in detail, her complicated, passionate relationship with her latest - almost true - love. It was the hottest erotica romance novel I had read in a while - cigarettes were a must while reading it.

Lucky bitch.

--We'll be lucky if we even get any, anymore.

Thanks for reminding me.

Masen hadn't called, texted, emailed - nothing since last night's horribly wrong phone call. I'm pretty sure that he wanted nothing more to do with me, and that thought led me to a night of binging with my two friends, Ben and Jerry. And when that wasn't enough, Absolute joined in on the party.

However, as horribly wrong the first part of my night was, there was a highlight to my evening - a tiny silver lining to Masen's irritable actions.

Cullen, the stick-up-his-ass Edward, became my Knight-in-shining-armor last night. He had charmed the pants off Renee (much to her delight) and even made my father crack a smile or two.

After he had escorted me into the dining room, making my mother overly-giddy with excitement, he sat across from me, which opened up for a wonderful conversation between us. We talked about everything, from our love of cheesy 80's love songs to our shared secret passion for the Food Network.

Perhaps, it was all the wine Mother Dearest had been pouring in my glass, but I found myself thinking of Cullen, in that way.

You know, that way.

--As in, taking him back to our place, way?

I smiled at that thought, but then ultimately felt guilty.

--What about you're beloved Masen, Bella? Forget him so suddenly?

He doesn't want anything to do with me, remember?

--Giving up so easily, Swan?

No! I just… I don't know... I just…

My thoughts of last night were interrupted when I reached the glass conference room and saw Masen. A smile softly tugged at my heart - that is, until I saw her, the gorgeous, skinny blonde bitch hanging off my boyfriend's arm.

--*hisses*

I opened the door a little harder than necessary and cleared my throat. Masen turned his head and, somehow, he managed to take his eyes off her tits for a moment to speak.

"Ah, Swan, you made it." I rolled my eyes.

"Obviously," I managed to spat, taking my designated seat, tossing my binder on the table and crossing my arms.

--You're acting like you're twelve, Bella.

But, but… look at her! It's like she's Tits McGee! Mine are okay, but he doesn't even ogle at them like that… I…

Masen eyed me silently before speaking. "Okay, so, most of you know that this is Ms. Deveraux and we will be throwing her a release party tomorrow."

Tits McGee decided to speak. "I am excited. Thank you." I snorted; she didn't even speak that much English.

Figures.

--Hey, weren't you just admiring her… endeavors?

Yeah, that was before I found her to be unbelievably attractive and hanging off the arm of Masen.

The room suddenly became silent and I noticed that besides myself, Lauren, and Tits McGee, the room was a sausage fest and they were all looking to feast on Tits.

Masen cleared his throat and rested his palms on the flat surface of the table.

"Ms. Deveraux…"

Tits McGee…

"…doesn't speak much English, but thankful for us, I'm fluent in French and will be able to translate." He then leaned in and spoke French to her in a soft tone, and she just giggled.

I saw red. She fucking giggled! The same giggle I did for Masen; you know the make-his-cock-hard giggle. The bitch had it down to perfection.

Wait, wait! Masen. Speaks. French?

--Obviously, Captain Obvious.

I felt tears threaten my eyes. I felt…

Betrayed? Hurt? Pissed? Revengeful?

"Swan?"

--Try all of the above.

"Swan!" I jumped, startled by the tone of voice. I looked around and noticed Masen eyeing me.

"Get your bloody head out of the clouds! You're at work and on my time, understand?"

I nodded, my emotional wires working on overload.

I fucking hate him.

--So quick to change your mind, Swan?

"Bella, can you tell Ms. Deveraux her itinerary for this evening?"

Professionally, I pulled out my carefully planned list and put on the façade of a business woman. This seemed to work for the entire 30 minutes of the meeting from my own personal hell, as I basically bullshitted my way through, all the while wishing that Tits would somehow choke on her over-paid French chest.

Masen dismissed the meeting and everyone was quickly leaving the over-crowded space. Even Tits McGee was quick to leave.

"Bathroom?" she asked. A stout man named Doug, from accounting, was quick to come to the damsel's distress.

"I uh… can take you… Ms. Deveraux…" The man pitifully stuttered. Tits nodded and took his arm willingly. I just rolled my eyes.

I turned to leave, but noticed that Masen and I were the only ones left in the room.

Here's your chance, Bella.

"Edward?" His back was towards me; he was shuffling some papers on the table. He turned around and looked up. His hair was a bit more haphazard than usual and his eyes seemed to be of a darker, mossier green.

"Yeah?" he asked, grabbing papers in between his fingers.

I fidgeted in my spot.

"I…uh…" I sounded like a fucking mouse.

"Spit it out Swan, I don't have all day," he barked in annoyance.

"Lunch?" I squeaked out.

He sighed and his posture became nonchalant. "No, Swan. I'm taking Ms. Deveraux to lunch today."

An 'oh' was all I could manage, all while still planted in the same spot, my brain trying to process what to say next.

"Look, I really just want to apologize…" Masen stepped closer to me, his eyes squinted slightly.

"This is not the time, or the place, Bella." My eyes blinked back tears at his harshness.

"Are we ever going to talk about it?" He sighed, looking out the glass window.

"I'll just see you tomorrow at the release party," he said, brushing past me. I looked around the empty conference room, anger replacing my sadness. I stomped my foot on the ground like a child.

Who was he to make me feel this way? And why did I let him?

A clearing of the throat interrupted my thoughts, making note that I was no longer alone. I turned around and saw Emmett standing at the doorway.

"Bella?" he asked, unsure of my chick emotions. I managed to muster a small smile, although I know he saw right through it.

"Yeah, Em?"

"Wanna talk about it?" I shook my head and crossed my arms. I bit my lip, trying to hold back the oncoming tears.

"No, not really, not here." He nodded and rubbed his cheek.

"Want me to spray paint 'I fancy cock' on the side of his fancy British Porsche?" I laughed at Emmett's attempt to cheer me up.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea… can we put sugar in his gas tank as well?" Emmett raised his eyebrows.

"Why, Bella, I didn't think you had it in you!" I grinned childishly.

"Don't fuck with the Master…" I said, walking towards Emmett. I put a hand on his chest and leaned into him.

"Thanks."

"Anytime. Now… call Alice. You need a chick night, or what-the-fuck-ever you guys call it." I smiled and left the large, stuffy conference room.

Walking back to my office, with Emmett's help, I felt slightly better about Masen and Tits McGee.

**

I finished the rest of my work early; I skipped lunch all together, which helped complete the final arrangements for the stupid release party, and I was out of the office by three. I let Masen's secretary know I was leaving for the day, since my dear boss was nowhere to be found. He had apparently disappeared since his lunch date with Tits, something the whole staff was gossiping about.

"Did he say when he was coming back?" I asked Rhonda, Masen's secretary.

She looked sideways checking for anyone who would be eavesdropping on our conversation, before indicating with her finger for me to lean closer. I tried to keep my irritation at bay, but leaned in to hear what she had to say.

"I really don't think he's coming back, Ms. Swan…" she whispered, "He seemed really entertained with the French bitch," her tone mimicking Tits' French accent.

"You don't say…" I tried to say nonchalantly, but the bitterness betrayed me and Rhonda looked at me quizzically before nodding.

"But he should be in tomorrow," she said looking at the calendar. "He has a meeting at ten with Mr. McCarthy to audit next year's budget."

I nodded; images of Masen and Tits on my mind, I decided to do something I rarely did. "Rhonda, tell Mr. Masen that I won't be coming in tomorrow. I'm taking a personal day."

"But, Ms. Swan, the party…" she said in a horrified tone.

I smirked, knowing Rhonda was dreading telling Masen I'd bailed on an important day. Knowing his anal-ness when it came to office work, I knew he would be furious.

"Don't worry, Rhonda. If Masen asks, just tell him everything is ready and he shouldn't worry about anything," I said, winking at the stressed-faced woman and making my leave.

By the time I reached the busy New York streets, just as I expected, my cell phone rang. I didn't even see the ID; with sudden confidence, I answered the phone.

"Masen, dear, what can I do for you?" I said, my voice taking on a slight hint of sarcasm.

"What do you mean 'personal day', Swan? I need you in tomorrow," he growled from the phone.

I chuckled; I knew Rhonda would freak and instantly call him. I really had no reason behind my actions; I just wanted to irritate the Brit bastard a little… okay, a lot.

"Don't worry, boss, I pulled my head out of the clouds and made pretty good use of the company time today," I said in a wickedly sweet voice, throwing his words back at him. "Everything is set for tomorrow night."

I managed to get a cab, just as I heard Masen sigh angrily. "Bella, I don't care what-the-fuck you've accomplished, you're coming in tomorrow and that's final."

I told the cabbie my address, pretending to ignore Masen's seething voice. "What was that? Oh, I'm sorry, the reception's horrible here."

"Swan -"

"Look, I really have to go, don't worry about a thing. I'll just see you tomorrow at the release party," I said, mimicking the cold tone he used after the meeting and hung up my phone before he could respond.

I felt oddly empowered by ticking him off, yet, it did not make me completely happy. I knew it was needy and completely stupid of me, but I still wanted him. He wasn't good for me, but was I ready to give him up? For good?

I leaned against my seat and thought about my options. One, I could suck it up, go to the release party and ignore Masen, accept this relationship had ended and move on. Or two, I could go into that party looking like the fucking Goddess I knew I could be if I wanted to and steal him back.

The cabbie announced our arrival to my apartment, effectively interrupting my thoughts. I paid him and went up to my apartment. When I finally arrived home, I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of vodka.

Ah, my old friend, Absolute.

--Not this again.

Shut it.

Taking the bottle with me, I made my way back to my bedroom to change into some sweatpants when I tripped over something on the floor. Thankfully, instead of falling all the way to the floor, I had bumped into the wall, effectively interrupting my descend to the ground. I straightened myself out, balancing the glass and bottle, amazed at my reflex since I hadn't dropped them.

I looked down to see the cause of my stumble. It was Masen's shirt, the one that I had practically ripped off him this past weekend on our way to my room. I leaned down sitting myself in the floor, setting my glass and bottle on the floor. I picked up his dark shirt and lifted it up to my face and inhaled its sweet scent.

My eyes teared up as I recalled the scent that drove me wild. So bitterly sweet, like a mix of musk dark amber, and vanilla with the slightest hint of tobacco. It was so uniquely him - sweet, sexy, and bitter at the same time.

Sweet, like I knew he could be when it was just us, laying down and cuddling, talking about random things until we both feel asleep; sexy, because all of him exuded seduction like no other man could; and bitter because as close as you got to him there was also a part he never showed you, a part he kept to himself, no matter how hard you tried to reach out to him.

I knew in that moment, no matter what I told myself, I wanted him back. As irrational and stupid as it was, I needed him to tell me that he didn't want me to give up.

Picking myself up on the floor and still holding his shirt, I went back to the kitchen - vodka forgotten, at least for now - and called the only person I knew could help me win him back.

**

Alice; my best friend, my savior, my favorite beauty Nazi.

I had done what Emmett had suggested - called Alice and indulged her on my boy and Tits issues. She immediately knew what had to be done - find the perfect dress for the party.

I still took my 'personal day' and ignored all calls from work. I knew it was just Masen, calling to yell at me for taking time off, but frankly, I wasn't ready to talk to him.

Alice arrived at noon with breakfast - bagels and coffee - and I could never love the pixie more. I told her everything about my previous day, knowing full well that Alice had her certain opinions on Masen. But, once again, Alice proved her loyalty; she just asked if I was sure Masen was what I wanted. I assured her I wanted to try one last time to fix things between Edward and me. She then nodded and said she understood.

Two hours later, however, I was at Alice's fucking mercy and I was beginning to question my decision as she dragged me all over town.

Alice beamed as we walked into Victoria's Secret. "Alice… I don't…" I tried to say, but she stopped me middle sentence, putting her hand up.

"Don't you want Edward to forget about Tits or not, Bella?" I sighed.

"Of course," I replied, exasperated.

Alice grabbed my wrist. "Well, then, come on!" I rolled my eyes as her tiny frame forced me into the store I frequently tried to avoid.

Three shops and a bikini wax later, we were back at my place and Alice was begging to attack my 'manly eyebrows' as I looked at her in terror. My eyebrows were perfectly fine, but Alice was a bit of a beauty Nazi.

"No! Alice, they are just fine! Really!" Alice cocked one tiny hip to the side and stared me down.

"Bella, do you want to get rid of Tits or not! You have to look your best!" She cried, trying to give me reason.

She's really over-using that phrase, don't you think?

--She has a point. Remember, we're on mission: Get Masen back.

Damn, you're right.

I sighed. "Fine, Alice, I'm not going to fight you anymore. You're right, I want… I want Masen back," I admitted. She clapped joyfully.

"Yay! Okay, after I pluck your unruly, hideous eyebrows, we need to paint your toes… oh! Then we need to…"

I happened to tune out Alice's, "to-do" list and let my mind wander.

What do you think Masen and Tits are doing?

--Each other.

What?!

--*shrugs* I'm just trying to be reasonable here.

But… but…

"Bella? Have you've listened to a single thing I've said?" I looked at her innocently.

"Yes?" She just shook her head.

"Go put on your dress, and do not – do not! - forget to wear that set from Victoria's Secret!" she screamed, her bell-like voice reaching my bedroom. I sighed, yet I did as told.

I fumbled around the shopping bags, looking for the ominous pink-striped bag. Once found, I pulled out the skimpy little set that Alice deemed "fuck-appropriate". Again, I didn't argue with her as I shed out of my comfy jeans and tee shirt and somehow managed to shimmy myself into the black lace ensemble. Alice had been nice enough to lay out the outfit we had chosen for the evening - a cap-sleeve, sweetheart neckline, wrap dress. It was a dark blue in color and we deemed it work appropriate yet sexy. It was perfect.

Masen won't be able to resist.

--That's what we're going here for.

I smirked as tied the dress around my waist. I moved over to my floor length mirror and admired my form.

Oh, yeah, this'll get him.

--*nods*

"Oh, Bella! He won't resist! You look incredible!" I blushed at Alice's comment, yet my confidence grew. So I shrugged.

"Yeah, I know." I smiled, and Alice beamed.

"There's the Bella I know and love! Now, it's on the good stuff…" I groaned, fearing the hours sitting in a chair while Alice fussed over me.

--But you promised, no more complaining.

Yes, yes. Thanks for reminding me.

--Good girl, Bella.

GAH!

"Bella! Get in here, pronto!" I rolled my eyes, heading towards my pending torture.

**

"Wow, Alice," I gushed.

"I know! Bella, you look beyond gorgeous!" I blushed feverishly - Alice had outdone herself this time. I leaned into the mirror to take a better look at what Alice proudly deemed 'her best piece of work'. I just rolled my eyes and took a look at the girl in the mirror.

The makeup was simple, yet complex-looking all at once. Rosy cheeks paired with the same color lips, nude yet sparkling eyes were staring back at me. I smiled.

The girl's hair was in her usual chestnut waves, but it was pulled back into a wonderfully sexy messy bun.

--Hello, sexy, unkempt librarian.

Mission: Get Masen Back. Phase one: complete.

I felt a pair of tiny hands on my shoulders, "Emmett just buzzed; he'll be up in a few." I nodded and stood up to find Alice's torture devices - four-inch nude pumps.

*groans*

--Remember what Alice said, 'they make your legs look long, and that'll make Masen think about wanting to wrap them around his waist, and…'

I stopped Alice at that point - it's not like I needed visual help with those images; they've been plaguing my mind for the last day or two.

--We're having withdrawals!

I groaned. I was obsessed with Edward Masen and tonight – tonight - I deemed that I would get him back.

B - God, I hate Tits McGee, don't you?! So, big question is... what's going on with Masen and Bella? Do they still have a chance, or is this the time for Cullen to step in and try to take it past the "friends" stage? You must continue reading and reviewing to find out! :P

Come play with us in the forums!! It can get lonely there at times... and, look out for a sexy, new story that Karla and I have put together. It's done and should be posted soon.

K - So, what will happen at the party?? Will Bella and Masen sort out what happened? check out the next chapter!! :D Leave a review and please visit the forum!! :D