Chapter 12:

EPOV

"Looks like we're out of time once again. Keep tuned for the Real Housewives of Seattle coming up next. I'm Edward Cullen, thanks for watching."

As soon as we're off air I quickly loosen my tie and get up to leave the sound stage. I have plans with Isabella and am eager to get home to prepare. A few crew members wave or say goodnight as I make my way through the crowded studio. Our station is small and they need to set up for the morning show that goes on air in just eight hours. I'd really like a cup of coffee to-go but Jackie, the coffee girl, is there refilling the pots and I'm not in the mood to speak with her. I walk in the opposite direction wondering if I have any fresh grounds at home when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Hi, Mr. Cullen. Great broadcast," says the coffee girl, her wide eyes raking over my body shamelessly.

"Good evening, Jackie," I greet with as much enthusiasm as I can muster. "What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you were coming out with us tonight. Stan, Eric, and I are all going to Tally's for drinks," she says hopeful.

Her fingers reach out and dance their way up my chest and straighten the tie I'd purposely loosened. I gently bat her hands away and smile as best I can. I don't want to be rude to the girl, she is very beautiful with long brown hair and blue eyes, but she is off limits. I decided years ago everyone in this building is off limits to me. I don't want to be friends with anyone at work and I certainly can't date any of the women here. Not if I want to protect my secret. And although Jackie is slender and charismatic, and obviously into me, I know it would be wrong to accept any social invite from her.

"I'm sorry, Jackie. I'd like to hang out with everyone but I have plans already," I say stepping out of her reach. "Maybe another time," I add and smile politely as I continue walking to my dressing room to gather my phone and keys.

I've tried dating in the past but it's become increasingly difficult in recent years. I'd meet a woman I was particularly attracted to and ask her out on a date. Each time the relationship progressed the same way. We'd have dinner a few times, maybe watch a movie and fool around on the couch, and eventually I'd invite her into my bedroom. These women would then all react the same way no matter how different their personalities or backgrounds were. The first time with a new man they always want to be special; they want romance. I couldn't get my pecker hard enough to seal the deal. There's nothing wrong with my equipment, I've just been desensitized to the pleasures of slow and sensual fucking. I need more excitement to get off now. As a result, traditional dating has become somewhat bothersome. After a while I gave it up completely.

The only real place to find a woman with submissive tendencies willing to let you tie her up is at a club like Coming Attractions. I'm at the point now where I'm turning down beautiful women like Jackie because I know for a fact it will only end badly. I'm worried in that scenario, once these ordinary women learn what interests me in the bedroom they will break up with me and gossip my secret to others… leading to my professional embarrassment.

Being a recognizable face around town has only made me fall deeper into hiding. Sometimes when Rose is being particularly whiney about keeping our secret I think about what it would be like to be open about my lifestyle. The members at the club call it coming out of the playroom. I think I could handle people knowing with two exceptions, my parents and my TV viewers. I can't imagine the kinds of comments I'd get on the street, in the supermarket, everywhere I go from random people who recognize me from TV; giving me their two cents about my lifestyle. They already feel they have a right to comment on my hair and clothing choices, I can't imagine what they'd say about my sexual preferences. Needless to say, even within the walls of the club where I feel safe to be myself, I'm careful about whom I let into my world.

Untrusting as I am about the general population my dating pool is now reduced to the members of the club, and most of them are simply interested in finding a good Dom. And since I don't want to be a real Dom I'm crossed off most members' eligible bachelor lists. I don't know how to have a submissive who's also my girlfriend and since I can no longer live without the former I just assume I cannot have the latter. Simply put, I am a mess. The worst part is feeling helpless when I know relationships can take all different shapes and forms in this community. Mr. Jenks just added a second full time submissive to his plate. Rose is taking on a D/S newbie though she is an expert. And hell if I can figure out what makes Alice and Jasper's relationship function so smoothly. The only conclusion I can come to is the problem is me. And it's made me lonely, just as Rosalie suspects.

I didn't often pursue women on the side while I was playing with Jessica. Though, it did happen occasionally. Victoria being one such exception. For a time I actually thought a free spirit like her might be the right fit for me. Victoria wasn't interested in being a typical sub; little did I know what her actual interests entailed. Now that I've met Bella I don't have the desire to seek out anyone else which has allowed me to take a break from my usual dating woes. However temporary, Bella makes me feel good and for the time being, much less lonely. She will be at my house in a little over an hour and I've been looking forward to that all day. She's the only one I want so it's easy to turn down Jackie and her marvelous, perky young breasts.

Beanie greets me when I arrive home and I scoop him into my arms as I head directly for the kitchen. He's squirming frantically so I set him down on the tile floor and he scurries over to his empty food bowl. The house is clean so all I need to accomplish before Bella arrives are some last minute preparations and to tend to the dog. Luckily, I do have some coffee in one of the cupboards and set a pot brewing. New food and water is provided for Beanie. I then take some scented candles from a kitchen drawer and the lighter and walk down the steps to the basement. I'm excited to introduce Bella to my custom playroom tonight and I think she's really going to enjoy it.

The walls are painted a deep red, like the color of bricks and there are no windows. A small dressing room and bathroom are on the far side of the room. A queen sized four poster bed is close to that end with brown and tan bedding. My Saint Andrew's cross is on the opposing wall and the padded table is in the center of the space closest to the door. I push it out of the way and pull the whipping bench from the corner into its place. The candles are set up on the bedside table and every other available flat surface. I have a locked cabinet on the wall by the door that holds my toys and props. I take out what I'll be using this evening and lay them out for easy access on a nearly table. I turn the lights on in the dressing room and bathroom before heading back upstairs. The coffee is done and I pour myself a cup, laying out the cream and sugar next to an empty mug in case Isabella would like some. I open the backdoor for Beanie and he high tails it out into the darkness to do his business.

I hear the knock at the door precisely at 11pm and wonder if Bella has been anticipating tonight as much as I have. I invited her over to play via text message Sunday afternoon. Cell phones are quite convenient most of the time; the text message an easy casual way to contact a person, but also so impersonal. Bella accepted my invitation without question but being unable to speak to her directly I couldn't discern the level of enthusiasm behind her "Sure. See you Monday nite. :-)" response. So frustrating.

Bella looks amazing tonight. Her hair has a slight curl to it and she's wearing a low cut shirt and tight jeans. Her face has no makeup on it; the way I like it. I swing the door open and step aside for her to enter.

"Hi, Edward," she says smiling. There's a sparkle in her eyes that tells me I might have been right in thinking she's been looking forward to tonight.

"Bella," I reply reaching out to take her coat.

My fingers graze her bare arms as she shrugs out of the outer layer. The shirt she wears is cut just as low in the back and I can see she isn't wearing a bra. I want to throw her over my shoulder and run right for the basement steps but good manners dictate I offer her the coffee I made and make a little small talk. This transition from friend to master has always been my downfall. The only way I can separate the two is by entering the playroom. Down there I know who I am and what I need to do. Up here in my home, what I think of as neutral ground, I'm fuzzy on the protocol.

"Where's Beanie?" she asks curiously breaking the silence.

Oh, right. I left the damn dog outside. Good thing I didn't go all Dom on her ass the minute she stepped into my house.

"He's in the backyard, and probably ready to come inside. Why don't you come have a seat and I'll let him in?" I suggest ushering her though the main hall. "Would you like some coffee? Or I have water or tea?"

"Coffee would be perfect. Can I help myself?" she asks gesturing to the mug I left out for her.

I nod and retreat to the backdoor to find Beanie. He runs past my feet the second the door is opened. I take a deep breath of the cold night air before closing the door and locking it.

"Hey there, boy!" Bella greets the dog.

She's kneeling on the floor petting his belly when I reenter the room. There's something innocent and childlike about her reaction to him and it pleases me how enamored they are with one another. When I introduced Victoria to Beanie her only response was to say she was more of a cat person. When Bella notices my return she quickly stands, taking her cup in her hand and smiles.

"This is good," she says raising the mug.

"Thanks, it's about the only thing I can make properly. Are you hungry? Or would you like to go downstairs?" I ask awkwardly.

"I'd love to see what you'd cook," she teases, "but I'm not hungry. Let's go downstairs."

She takes one more gulp of coffee and places the mug in the sink. We walk down the steps in silence and she looks at the playroom door with wide eyes as I reach for the doorknob.

"There's nothing scary in here, Bella," I say sensing her apprehension. She nods and smiles faintly, seemingly unconvinced.

I walk into the room first and proceed to light the candles while Bella takes a look around. She runs her fingertips over the bedding and my dick twitches a little. I can't wait much longer to ravage her on that bed. My eyes follow her perfect little body as she makes her way around the room, inspecting the bench, the cross, and the table of toys. She stops at the doors facing one another at the far end of the room.

"Bathroom on the right," I explain, "dressing room on the left."

I open both doors and encourage her to look inside. The half bath is a standard vanity and toilet. I wanted to add a large soaking tub but the expense was too great. Bella steps into the dressing room and holds up a few of the lingerie sets I'd left for her.

"Those are for you. You can wear whichever you like tonight and take the others home," I say running my hand through my hair. "I felt bad Friday for ripping your panties."

Isabella blushes and says, "Thank you, but I wasn't upset about that. I really liked it."

A slight smile breaks out across my face. "Do you have any questions about the room? Or anything you want to talk about before we begin?" I ask.

"No, Sir. I'm ready," she replies after a moment, still holding the lingerie in her hands.

"Okay. You can get dressed now, and get into your waiting position. I'll be back in a few minutes," I instruct. "And Isabella?"

She looks at me without speaking, waiting for me to continue. "That one's my favorite," I say nodding towards the outfit in her hands.

I go back upstairs to clean up the kitchen and give Bella a few minutes to get into her submissive mindset. I like to leave my sub in her kneeling position for at least five minutes. It makes her anticipate my return more and reminds her that I'm in control for the next hour or so. My cock is already stiffening while I'm washing out the coffee pot. I go upstairs to change my clothes and brush my teeth and face. I find it hard to give her the full amount of time, wanting to be down there as soon as possible. I wonder which outfit she will choose. Isabella will look amazing in all of them.

Finally the clock by the bed tells me it's been ten minutes since I left her to change and she should be ready by now. I count slowly in my head to keep from running down the two flights of stairs to my waiting submissive. My Isabella. I open the door and find her just as I envisioned, kneeling on the yoga mat with her head down and arms interlocked behind her back. She did in fact choose the lingerie I'd mentioned was my favorite though it hardly classifies as underwear. One small ribbon of fabric is weaved in and out of the delicate silver chain that sits low on her hips and grazes over her pussy to connect in the back. The matching chains around her neck dip low enough to barely cover her pert nipples, and resembles jewelry more than any article of clothing.

I come to her side and run my hand through her long hair. I know I left a hair band in the bathroom but it seems Isabella didn't find it or chose not to use it. I'm secretly relieved for this minor infraction because now I have an excuse to give her the erotic spanking I've been fanaticizing about.

"Isabella, your hair is to be up and away from your neck at all times. Why have you chosen to leave it down tonight?" I ask sternly.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I forgot to bring a hair band," she admits softly. I can tell she's upset with herself.

"Did you not use the bathroom while I was upstairs? I left one on the vanity for you to use. It seems I have thought ahead so everything would be ready for playtime and yet you have not done the same. Don't you want to be here, Isabella?" I question.

I already know the answer but it still thrills me when she replies. "Yes, Sir. I really want to be here."

I sigh dramatically for effect. "I am disappointed you didn't find the hair band on your own but that can be quickly remedied. I am pleased, however, that you took my advice on your attire. You look simply stunning, my pet," I say in a more soothing tone.

I step closer to her so that my jeans are just touching her cheek. Isabella leans in and rests her face against my leg. I run my hand through her hair a few more times, like one would pet a dog. I hear her sigh quietly.

"Stand up and go to the bathroom to put your hair up like a good girl. Keep your eyes down and come back to stand in front of me," I command.

She hurries to her feet at once and nearly trips on her way to the bathroom. She's back in thirty seconds, hair off her neck, and breathing erratically. Her eyes are fixed on the floor just as I instructed.

"Thank you, Isabella. Are we ready now?" I ask. "Please answer."

"Yes, Sir."

I tap her inner thighs with my fingers and she spreads her feet out a few inches. I slide two fingers through her slick folds to confirm her arousal.

"Mmm, you're so wet," I say as both fingers slowly plunge into her core.

She moans in surprise and spreads her legs a little further allowing me to reach deeper inside. I pump my fingers quickly until Isabella's hips are reflexively thrusting forward to meet my hand. When I know she is close I remove my hand completely and wipe my fingers across her plump lower lip.

"Taste yourself, my pet," I whisper.

She does as she's told and still hasn't taken her eyes off the ground which impresses me. She must feel bad about letting me down before. My hands move to open the fly of my jeans and I push them halfway down my thighs.

"I want you to show your appreciation to me, Isabella," I hint.

She doesn't move right away so I fist the silver chains around her neck and pull down with enough force to bring her to her knees. "Show me your appreciation," I repeat.

This time Isabella understands and immediately takes my thick length in her mouth. Her tongue teases my cock briefly, licking wet circles around the tip and then down the shaft and back. Before I have a chance to grow impatient Isabella opens her mouth wide and takes in as much of me as she can. I groan and place my hands on the sides of her head gently. She moans around me sending tiny vibrations radiating through my body.

"Oooh, Isabella. You're mouth feels amazing," I encourage.

I'm watching her intently as her head bobs on my cock with vigor. She looks so beautiful like this. I haven't come since Saturday evening's shower and I can feel myself starting to lose control already. I want it to last longer but also have so many plans for Isabella tonight that I'm tempted to allow myself to finish quickly so I can start pleasuring her. Her cheeks hollow out and that hot wet mouth sucks me tighter as she increases her movements.

"Fuck. This time I'm coming inside your beautiful mouth, my dear," I say.

I know she's been waiting for this; as if somehow the exchange of fluids cements our D/S commitment to one another. I suppose it does signify a certain level of trust. I have no lingering doubts about entering into this arrangement with Isabella and want her to know how much I trust her. One small hand reaches between my legs and cups my balls firmly. I gasp at the unexpected sensation and thrust my hips forward. It catches her off guard as I have let her direct this so far and I struggle to control my urge to fuck her mouth with abandon. I want to let her finish what she's begun.

"Fuck! So good. I'm gonna come, pet."

She moans around my cock and my fists tighten in her hair mussing up the ponytail. My eyes shut and I groan unintelligible ramblings as cum shoots into her mouth in spurts. Isabella swallows it all eagerly and attentively licks my cock clean as I recover from the amazing head she just gave me. After a few deep breaths my hands leave her hair and I pull my jeans back into place. Isabella sinks back into her waiting position at my feet.

"Thank you, Isabella. Please stand for me, pet," I order still a little out of breath. "I intend to give you a spanking tonight for the hair band infraction so there's something you should know about my punishments. I won't strike you hard enough to cause real pain. I don't ever incorporate pain into my scenes unless the sub asks for it, and even then I can't bear to take it very far. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," she replies in a shaky voice, her eyes on the floor.

I lean in to kiss her cheek and whisper into her ear, "What I'm saying is that you're going to like this spanking, Isabella."

She shivers at my words and I can't fight back the smile that results. I take her hand and guide her to the bed. "Lie down and keep your eyes on the ceiling. I want you to tell me how you're feeling but you may not come until I give permission."

I retrieve a few toys from the table and return to Isabella's side. Her breathing is shallow and she's biting her lower lip. I take the handcuffs to her wrist and secure one side, then lift her arms over her head to loop the steel through the headboard and attach to her other wrist.

"What color, pet?" I ask soothingly.

"Green, Sir," she replies finally releasing that lip.

She lets out a deep breath and closes her eyes. I'm not sure if she's nervous or aroused so I remind her to be audible with her responses to everything I do. I instruct her to lift her head off the mattress so I can remove the silver chains from her chest. My fingers graze her skin from the neck down to breasts where I pay a little more attention before moving on. My hands kneed both her supple breasts until she moans. I pinch her nipples between thumb and index fingers and twist tightly. Isabella hisses sharply and pushes her chest up; the cuffs on her hands yanking her back down to the mattress. My hands move along the planes of her stomach and meet at the apex of her thighs. One thumb brushes over her clit, pressing the linked chain against her flesh, and eliciting another moan. I'm ready to play with her pussy and so carefully remove the delicate chains from around her hips; sliding them down her legs and dropping them to the floor. I take the small plug from the toy table and tease her back entrance with it alerting her to what I have. I don't expect Isabella to object based on her list of limits. It seems ass play was something her previous Dom engaged in often but I still don't want to surprise her with something she doesn't want. I retract the plug and coat it with a little lube before returning it to her opening.

"Remember I want to hear you," I say sternly pushing the plug inside her slightly.

"Oh, Sir. Mmmm," she replies.

Fuck, she's hot. I push the plug further into her and keep my thumb over the end to hold it in place. My other hand reaches for a medium sized vibrator and switch it on. Arousal leaks from Isabella's vagina when she hears the buzzing sound.

"I control your orgasms, pet. Let me hear you but don't come," I say teasing her clit with the vibrator.

Isabella moans and bucks her hips forward. Without warning I slide the vibrator inside her until my fingers meet her flesh and pull it out again. Her body writhes on the bed seeking more of the pleasure I'm giving her.

"More, please," she begs in a whisper.

I slide the vibe inside her again and start pumping in and out at a controlled pace. It's enough to make her moaning continue but not enough to make her come. I haven't told Isabella this yet but she won't be coming from this toy tonight. I want to be inside her when her inner muscles clench tightly in ecstasy. My head dips down between her thighs so I can lick her sweet pussy and increase the speed on the vibrator at the same time. She cries out loudly as my lips pinch her clit and it makes my cock incredibly hard. This beautiful woman is chained to my bed, hidden beneath the rest of the house in a secret room designed to provide her body intense pleasure. I can't imagine anything more arousing than the sight before me.

"Are you close, Isabella?" I ask.

"Ooh, yes Sir. So close," she groans. I slow the pumping of the toy inside her. "No, no, no," she chants her voice thick with need.

"You'll come, my pet. Just not yet," I assure her removing both toys from her body.

I release one wrist from the cuff to remove it from the headboard and then close it over her wrist again placing her hands together on her stomach. I pull Isabella to her feet and she stumbles along to the whipping bench I'd prepared. It's working out quite well that I have a reason to spank her other than pure desire. I assist her in bending over the padded bench and leaning her upper body to rest against the downward slope of the bench. Her ass is now magnificently on display for me and I waste no time rubbing her flesh in my hand.

"Spread your legs for me, Isabella. I want access to your sweet pussy," I say darkly.

I groan at how hard my cock has become from seeing Isabella in this position. I unzip my jeans and discard them immediately. Two fingers plunge into Isabella's dripping pussy and she pushes her ass out to my hand in invitation. She is looking forward to this as much as I am. Without further ado my hand exits her core and whips through the air landing the first smack to her ass.

"Ooph," she cries mostly from surprise. The next few whacks of my hand make her moan loudly.

"You've been a bad girl, my dear. How do you like your punishment?"

Her answering moan is music to my ears. Her ass is turning a sexy shade of pink and I know I can't continue much longer before the hits start to sting in a more painful way. I playfully smack Isabella's pussy a few times mixed in with the attention I'm paying to her cheeks and inner thighs. I then gently rub her skin in a soothing fashion dipping my fingers between her wet lips with each pass. I can tell by her labored breathing that Isabella is about to come. I pump two fingers inside fast and hard rubbing her sensitive ass with my other hand.

"You may come now, my pet. I want you to come for me; let me feel your tight pussy."

Within seconds Isabella is clenching her inner muscles around my fingers and her cries of pleasure are bouncing off the walls of the playroom. As soon as her climax passes and I sense her breathing begin to regulate I press my aching cock to her entrance seeking the wet warmth of her pussy. She moans as the tip of my cock enters her. I can tell she's still sensitive and I'm hoping to capitalize on that feeling, drawing another orgasm from her body before I reach my own climax.

I sheath myself inside her completely, our moans mixing together. She tries to buck her hips back to meet my thrusting but the position doesn't allow her much motion. She's at my mercy, bound at her wrists, and still bent over my whipping bench. I feel her muscles tightening once again and it brings me closer to my release.

"Fuck, you feel good, pet. So tight and wet. I love fucking your hot pussy," I say as my hand reaches around her hip to make contact with her clit. The added sensation throws her over the edge and she begins trembling violently with her orgasm. My cock starts pulsing insider her moments later and I grip her hips tightly in my hands as I ride out the waves of pleasure.

"Oh God, shit fucking hell!" I scream as my orgasm peaks and gradually subsides. I collapse on top of her, my softening dick still inside her.

Isabella is still gasping for air as I remove myself from her, unlock her wrists, and carry her back to the bed. I retrieve a warm washcloth from the bathroom and gently wash our combined fluids from her body. We lay together on the bed as I rub oil into her wrists, shoulders, lower back, and buttocks.

"That feels amazing," she says as my massaging hands make their way up the length of her elegant back.

Before my aftercare began I told Isabella to speak freely and that as soon as we leave the playroom I will be just Edward again. A part of me wants to prolong our time here, not yet ready to let her go. But I know I can't keep her here indefinitely and that thought saddens me. She has been perfect tonight and I haven't been quite this satisfied with a submissive in a very long time. Eventually, the evening must end and I leave Bella alone to dress. I tell her I'll be waiting in the living room for her.

I decide not to offer Isabella the choice of spending the night. We've had a good session and I think it's better to adhere to the terms of our arrangement. I've blurred the lines with this sweet girl enough since meeting her. Kissing is one concession I've had to allow myself to stay sane; but I don't think I could handle growing accustomed to having Bella in my bed on a regular basis. It will be too much for my weak heart to bear when it ends.

As I walk her to the door I press cab money into her palm. "Please don't argue with me," I say when she opens her mouth to protest. "You've given me such a wonderful gift tonight it is the least I can do."

She blushes and I can see the wheels in her mind fighting to protest anyway but finally she surrenders and simply nods. I'm sad to see her leave, and despite my better judgment, I impulsively decide to mention Alice's launch party.

"I want to invite you to a party Saturday night. I'm afraid it's one of those store openings Alice makes me attend. The first part of the evening will be dreadfully boring as the women model her designs but after that there's food and live music and lots of alcohol," I say hoping to give her reason to say yes.

"Hmm, it's hard to say no to free alcohol," she teases. "Who else is going? Will I get to meet Jasper?"

"Yes. And Rose and Emmett will be there. The only other catch is my parents will be in attendance. We haven't discussed this in detail so I will understand if it makes you uncomfortable. I know it isn't what you signed up for…" I ramble nervously.

"Edward, did you tell your parents I'm your girlfriend?" she asks with a smile. Her tone of voice sounds almost… hopeful?

"No, not quite. I admitted to my 'break up' with Jessica and Tink went and blabbed about how wonderful you are. That part I can't disagree with but it got them wondering, my mother especially. I think it would be best if you went as my date, not girlfriend," I explain.

"I think I can handle that," she replies. "How fancy do I need to be for this?"

"I'll have a dress delivered to your apartment by Friday and Saturday you can get ready at Rose's salon if you'd like. Alice and my mother will be getting their hair done there and Alice invited you to join them. I know it sounds like a lot of family stuff. It's okay if you don't want to go through all that with them," I say until Bella presses her lips to mine effectively shushing me.

"Edward, I've never seen you so flustered. It's really cute," she says smiling wide. Cute?

"Tell Alice I'll be there and I'll call her for details about the salon this week. Only I don't want you to have to buy me a dress. I'm perfectly capable of buying one myself."

I shake my head. "No, I insist. It's the least I can do to thank you for enduring Alice's party with me."

She laughs at me. "Why are you so surprised that I'd want to spend more time with you?"

I don't have a good answer for that, not unless I want to admit my fear of losing control over our relationship and falling pathetically in love with her. So I just shrug and she laughs softly again.

"Good night, Edward," she says and presses her lips to mine once more before opening the front door and walking down the steps to the waiting cab.

A/N: Please review! Next chapter will be Sunday.