The Twilight Series belongs to S. Meyer, no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing with the characters.

Chapter 24

Broken

She tried to shake Bella off the moment she got home but her stepsister was like a case of fleas and she was a dog infected with them. It was impossible. Bella trailed after her as she dug through her suitcases and found an outfit.

After taking a look at her choices she settled on a white dress with black accents; it zipped in the front allowing her to change how much leg she showed. She had packed a number of undergarments found a matching set that he would enjoy; all she had with were thongs but she supposed it didn't matter what she choose. Either way it was all about muscle control to hold the balls in place.

She laid out her clothing and shoes, opting to not wear nylons as it was impossible to remove them and maintain eye contact. She knew she would be a bit sore tomorrow and the last thing she wanted was it to be more noticeable than what it would be. Less lashes, meant less discomfort the next day.

When she walked into the bathroom she debated on taking a shower and quickly decided against it. A bath for one would be more relaxing and two she wouldn't be fighting against gravity. She raised an eyebrow in Bella's direction as she started the bathwater and watched as her shadow finally left.

Closing the door she locked it. She glanced in the mirror to look at the gift he gave her; the quick glance earlier hadn't been enough. As she gazed at it—she did have to admit he had good taste. There was little doubt to her what the meaning was but that didn't mean she couldn't wear it every day.

Three strands of different colored gold braided chain. White, yellow, and rose; they twisted loosely around each other and in the very center laying just above the notch between her collarbones was a round charm encrusted with diamonds that held the three chains together. If she had been included in the selection it was something she would have leaned towards.

She wasn't in the mood to re-wash and style her hair so she grabbed a clip from the drawer and twisted her braid into a bun then clipped it to her head. It wouldn't probably stay completely dry but enough so that she could put it into a French twist.

Before getting into the tub she added some scented bath crystals to the water and then she lowered herself into the water. Her iPod and headphones close at hand and she found a playlist she liked and laid back allowing the warm water to relax and ease the tension from her.

Bella was obviously sneakier than she looked. And perhaps, her goody-two shoes act was just that—an act. Next thing she knew Bella was standing near the tub with a hand over her eyes and calling Leah's name.

"Bella! What the hell is with you," she screeched in annoyance and removed her headphones. Her hand reached up and she closed the shower curtain so most of her body was covered; leaving only her head and legs visible.

"I'm sorry…really."

"When did you start picking locks and sneaking in on people?"

"It's a skill I've had for years; Renee wasn't the most responsible mom and half the time when one of her boyfriends left her she'd lock herself in the bathroom with a bottle of wine. I had to learn how to pick the lock to make sure she didn't drown, both literally and figuratively, in her sorrows."

"But that's not why I'm here. You need to tell me what that was about," Bella demanded; her hands flailing wildly as she tried and failed to explain what she wanted to know.

She turned and looked at Bella, keeping her face as placid as she could. "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about—Edward—you. Did you and him have sex," the final word whispered as though it was a dirty word.

It couldn't be helped and she laughed; her face turning red as her actions caused her muscles to involuntarily tighten around the balls. Reminding her of exactly what he had done to her and what was to come. She was slowly being tortured.

"No…not exactly," she hedged.

"Well…then what? You were all flushed and walking funny. And don't you dare think I'm the only one that noticed. Then there was all the before...I heard what he said…date and come. He emphasized both those words…and you grabbed his hand and let him lead you away. Why?"

Her earlier assessment was correct. There was no way that she could hide her reasoning behind her behavior. There just wasn't any way to describe it. It wasn't what others would consider as normal. For her—for her role—yes it was normal but no one else would view it that way.

So she started at the beginning and explained how she found her new lifestyle. How she had felt like something was missing and the difficulties she had with portions of a normal relationship. How scared she was of falling in love again and being hurt.

She then told Bella how she met Edward; the attraction and desire she felt to be with him. How it was so very different from anything she had ever felt. That from the very beginning she had the desire—the need—the want to submit to him. And how after she entered into a relationship with him she learned more about herself than she imagined.

"I don't know how to explain it but there's something about him—within me that is different. And there's an essence of trust, respect, and unity that I've never experienced before. I don't know if I love him like what others would expect or if he's the one but I do know this—I'm happy, confident, and whole. It's something that I didn't think I would ever be again."