Chapter 25:
BPOV
I haven't spoken to Edward in 24 hours, not since he stormed out of his house furious with me for talking to Carlisle behind his back. I realized he would be upset to hear his father knew the truth but I didn't think he would blame me entirely. I've tried calling and texting him a number of times but every attempt goes unanswered. I cried in Edward's living room for close to an hour after he left me there alone. Then I realized that he is scared and feels like he's lost control, something that he is used to having a firm grasp on. He will call me when he's ready, I decided.
I cleaned myself up, took Beanie for a nice walk, and returned to my own home. I expected to hear from him at some point yesterday but when he didn't return any of my calls by the time I went to bed I became angry. This morning I called Angela and Jacob and invited them over for lunch. I've spent the better part of an hour venting to my two very best friends about what an asshole I'm currently in love with.
"So what are you going to do when he finally calls?" Angela asks, taking a cup of hot coffee from my hands.
I sit down beside her and shrug my shoulders. "I guess I'll let him do the talking. He might have spoken to Carlisle by now, and hopefully that's eased his fears. I just don't want him to be so mad at me anymore."
"Is this what you'd do to me if I ever told Charlie, Bells?" Jake asks jokingly.
"No, I'd kill you without hesitation," I snap. I've had too much caffeine today. The situation with Carlisle has really made me think a lot about how my own father would react to such revelations and I'd be lying if I said I thought I'd handle things any better than Edward. I sigh and slump back against the sofa.
"What can we do to help, Bella?" Angela asks the concern evident on her face.
"Just keeping me company is helping. I'd be climbing the walls without you guys."
"I'm gonna grab another soda," Jake announces. "Then let's find a video or something to watch."
"As long as it doesn't star Bella I'm all for it," Angela teases winking at me.
"Har har," I reply rolling my eyes. As Jake is returning to the living room with a cold can of Coke there's a knock at the door. Our heads turn simultaneously towards the noise.
"Who's that?" Jake asks.
"There's only one person I can think of," I respond, my voice shaking as I stand to answer the door.
Gazing through the peephole my suspicions are confirmed. A disheveled looking Edward stands on the other side of the door with a nervous expression claiming his beautiful face. He looks lost and tired. I take a deep breath and open the door. His eyes light up when he sees me and I can immediately sense the remorse Edward is feeling. My heart aches for him. He steps forward and wraps his arms around my waist without saying a word. I want to melt into his embrace and never let go but this man has put me through hell, and although I expect he's been right there himself since yesterday, I'm not going to let him off the hook so easily. When he notices I'm not returning the hug he takes a step back and looks in my eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he breathes.
I grin a little. "Come in," I say and step aside for him to enter the apartment.
He clearly isn't expecting me to have company judging by the blush on his face and the way he rakes his hand through his hair when he spots my friends. Angela and Jake stare at him with disapproval in their eyes like the loyal friends they are. Edward fumbles for words and then turns his gaze back to me.
"Ang and Jake came over for lunch," I explain. "I told them everything."
Edward nods in understanding, looking like nothing could surprise him anymore. "I spoke to my mother and father," he says softly. "I haven't slept since I walked out on you."
Angela clears her throat and elbows Jake as he attempts to open the can of soda in his hand. She gently removes it from his grasp and places it on the coffee table. "We're going to let you two talk. I should really be getting back to the B&B anyway," she says making an excuse for the two of them to leave. She searches the floor for her purse and thrusts Jake's jacket into his arms.
I thank them for coming to my rescue as we walk to the front door. "Are you going to be okay?" Jake whispers, eyeing Edward over my shoulder as he speaks. I assure them both I'll be fine and say I'll call later. Closing the door behind my friends I turn back to Edward and gesture for us to sit on the sofa.
"So tell me what happened," I say calmly.
Edward and I sit for a long time as he recounts the events that took place the previous day. He drove all the way to Seattle after getting Rose's blessing and showed up at his parents' condo unannounced. Carlisle offered to speak to Edward in private but he said he'd rather only explain himself once. He gave his parents a brief education on what it means to have a D/S relationship. He confirmed that this is what he and I share, but was adamant that our relationship is very real and we are in love. He told them he was a member of a club where likeminded people go to mingle. He admitted that the club was where he and I met but didn't go into any details about the theater.
"I think Esme stopped listening after I told her I was in love with you," Edward says smirking. "She didn't care about anything else I said; only wanting to know how long we've been together and where I saw our relationship going."
I laugh. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
Edward smiles. "My father was quiet, listening intently while I spoke. I think it was still a shock for him to hear the truth even though he was expecting it. He asked me about the marks on your wrists, so I told him we use handcuffs sometimes and I explained what a flogger is. That's when my mother stood up and asked if either of us wanted tea," he chuckles. "When she returned with the drinks the conversation had progressed to my career. My father is very concerned about the truth getting out among the press since I'm a local public figure. I knew that would concern him the most."
"What did you tell him?" I ask, curious to know the answer to that question. What would happen if Edward's secret got out? Now that I'm part of his life it's my secret too. I have to help protect him. And if other stations ran a story about Edward I would likely be named in the scandal as well and Charlie would find out. I'm reminded again how difficult it must have been for Edward to tell his parents the truth. I take his hand and squeeze tightly as he continues talking.
"The only assurance I could offer him was to explain how safe my identity is at the club, and how I've gone undetected for the past few years. As much as I fear the people of Port Angeles learning the truth about me I was far more worried about what my parents would think. When I admitted that to them my mother started crying and hugged me tight. She said she loved me and didn't care what I was. My father agreed but said he thought it would be best if I not tell anyone else."
"It seems like it went better than you expected," I say.
He nods and looks down at the carpet. "Bella, I can't begin to apologize for how I treated you these past two days. I blamed you for everything while knowing deep down I brought this on myself. And you were right, that Carlisle took my confession better than I ever imagined he would. He was just relieved to hear the truth after all this time and I have you to thank for that."
"I understand that you wanted this to happen differently, or not at all, and I'm sorry that I spoke to Carlisle behind your back. I just didn't know what else to do and felt the need to defend you," I say inching closer to him on the couch. I've been craving his touch since he walked through the door and all the anger I felt before has melted away with his explanation and apology.
"Bella, you are so important to me. I never expected to feel this way about you, and now that I do it scares me because I can't imagine ever losing you. I love you so much," he says chancing a glance at my face.
"You're not going to lose me, Edward. I love you, too," I reply smiling. He reaches for me and I gladly move into his arms.
He sighs contently and buries his face in the crook of my neck.
"Let's go to bed," I whisper even though it's only two o'clock in the afternoon. I need my boyfriend and my master right now. I need to feel his warm skin against mine, his heavy breathing in my ear, to wash away all the pain from the last two days.
"Okay, but no sex," he says gently but authoritatively.
I pull back to look in his eyes. "I'm still being punished for what I did at the wedding?" My surprise must be written all over my face because Edward chuckles under his breath.
"Yes, that's one reason. But also I have to be at work in an hour. And I haven't slept in thirty hours, baby. I'm exhausted," he replies. We stand from the sofa and I pout all the way as he pulls my hand behind him towards my bedroom.
Four days later my heart is pounding like a jackhammer. Edward has kept his word as my dom and not let me come since before Alice and Jasper's wedding. Not since I defied him, he keeps reminding me. If I didn't know better I'd say he was actually enjoying watching me squirm. It's finally Friday evening and I'm waiting impatiently on the stage floor at Coming Attractions. The audience is packed tonight, over thirty filled seats awaiting Edward's scene. It's his first public punishment scene. I've never been punished in front of anyone and the thought has my body humming to excess.
I am naked and kneeling in my waiting position. The stage is dimly lit as usual but not so dark that I'm not visible to the audience. I listen to their quiet chatter as we wait together for Edward to emerge from backstage. I feel more naked than usual this evening because I do not have my collar; it's a horrible feeling that brings me more shame than knowing I am to be punished tonight. I wonder idly if the audience notices its absence. Edward hasn't allowed me to wear it all week since there has been no playtime. I notice him beginning to bend on some of his rules while with other he is stricter than ever.
After what feels like hours I feel his presence behind me. The stage lights brighten and Edward circles around until he's standing in front of me. All I can see are his bare feet and blue jeans. I was hoping he'd be wearing boxers or perhaps nothing at all. I wonder idly if he'll even let me come tonight. He promised this scene would be the end of my punishment.
"Isabella, you have disobeyed me in a number of ways leaving me no choice but to issue a punishment. As a result of your disregard for my rules you have not been allowed to come in seven days, correct?" he says sternly.
"Yes, Master," I reply keeping my eyes fixed on the stage floor.
"You have repeatedly ignored my boundaries for playtime, worn your collar in public without permission, and argued with me over the severity of your infractions instead of quickly submitting to my orders. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I'm very sorry for disappointing you, Master," I reply shamefully.
Edward walks behind me again and wraps his arms around my shoulders bringing his hands into my line of sight. He brushes his fingertips over my breasts. I've missed his touch so much that even this gentle connection sends shivers through my spine. His fingers are pinching and twisting my nipples into tight points. He briefly displays nipple clamps in front of my downcast eyes before attaching them to my breasts. The familiar pinch is exquisite after such a long absence.
I hear his footsteps as he walks to center stage and calls for me. "You are not allowed to stand for the duration of your punishment. And no speaking. I want you over here where everyone can see you better. Come now," he orders.
What? He just said I couldn't get up. Oh, he wants me to crawl; I've seen this asked of subs before. How humiliating. I suppose that's the point. Edward is not the type of dom to cause much physical pain so I understand that he must find other ways to punish me. I turn my body 90 degrees so I am no longer facing the audience and begin the trek to my master on hands and knees. He's only about eight feet away but it feels farther in this position. When I reach him I resume my waiting position.
Edward dangles a spreader bar in front of my eyes. It has leather cuffs for both ankles and wrists. Oh my, I thought this was a punishment? I was honestly expecting a public spanking.
"Turn your body towards our guests and look straight ahead, pet," Edward commands. Just as he gives these instructions the lights on stage grow a little brighter effectively revealing me further. No way to hide from the scrutiny in the audience now. I can see them all and they can most definitely see all of me.
Edward taps my ankles with his foot and I spread my legs as wide as possible. He kneels behind me and attaches the ankle cuffs. He fondles my breasts some more and tugs lightly on the nipple clamps stirring up the sensations in my flesh. His hands run sensually over my shoulders and down each arm until he's firmly grasped each wrist. He pulls them gently behind my back and attaches each one to the spreader bar with the inner two cuffs. The position is very awkward, my legs spread far apart and my back arched. My tender breasts are pointing out towards the voyeurs. I feel uncomfortable but also incredibly turned on. I have no idea what Edward is planning, but when do I ever?
"I like seeing you like this, Isabella. You have been a naughty little submissive and deserve to be tied up like a slut," he murmurs.
My master's footsteps retreat as he goes for the table at the side of the stage. My breathing accelerates in his absence, wondering what toy he's retrieving. He returns moments later with a small two prong vibrator clipped to an elastic band. Fuck, he's done something like this to me before and it was so deliciously frustrating. Edward smirks at me as he kneels at my side and attaches the band around my waist and between my legs. He secures one end of the vibrator to my already wet clit and the other is pushed about an inch inside my vagina. Oh, this is going to be good. He stands again and with a click of a remote control the wicked little toy starts vibrating gently against my sensitive flesh.
"The setting is on low and it shouldn't cause enough stimulation to make you come, pet. But remember you are not allowed to come so if you do and therefore disobey me again we will have to start all over. Understand?"
I nod my head and say nothing since he has also forbidden me to speak.
"Good," he replies with excitement in his voice.
Then he does something completely unexpected. Edward walks to the edge of the stage and steps down into the audience. He seats himself in the front row in the only empty chair in the house. He folds his arms over his chest and looks at me with a mischievous grin.
Fuck! He's leaving me like this, trussed up on stage alone? And now sitting amongst the other audience members, watching me struggle not to climax? Oh, he is more diabolical than I thought.
Edward is quiet in the audience, his eyes fixed on mine. I can feel everyone's eyes on my body; my pussy, but I can't see anyone but my master. The vibrations are not overwhelming and though it's making me hot and bothered I don't feel the sharp need in my belly to let go. After about a minute Edward lifts his arm straight up into the air so everyone can see and hits the button on the remote again. The buzzing of the vibrator echoes in my ears as I feel the intensity increase. I moan loudly and shut my eyes tight at the change in sensations.
Shit, now I know I need to control my urge to climax. My arms fight hopelessly against the restraints and my tits push further into the air. My hips buck forward in need of more friction and I hear the sound of the spreader bar scraping the stage floor. The audience is deafeningly silent. The only noise in the entire room is my moaning and the soft buzzing from my pussy. I look forward hoping to find a face I can focus on to quell the burning fire in my belly. I cannot look at my master, whose look is so lustful and full of desire it pains me. I seek out Emmett but cannot find him. Jessica is here, Bianca the waitress, James, and even Victoria. Fuck, I don't want her to see me like this. I'm still jealous of her brief fling with Edward. I know it's ridiculous because he is my master now, and my boyfriend, but the vision of him pulling her into that coat closet so many months ago still haunts me. It provides me a little comfort to note a look of jealously plaguing her face in this moment.
I shake all thoughts of Victoria away and try my hardest to concentrate on controlling my body. A wave of pleasure begins to wash over me and I throw my head back staring into the bright stage light above me. I close my eyes and see bright spots behind my eyelids. I groan loudly in frustration and writhe against my restraints. Oh, I will not be able to last much longer.
Mercifully, Edward reduces the speed of the vibrator back to the low setting and I lose the sensation of impending climax. My head falls forward and I take deep breaths trying to calm myself. I sense Edward approaching the stage as the toy shuts off completely.
"Well done, pet. You've made me proud," Edward coos. Oh, well at least he is pleased. I'm a shaking mess of need.
Edward lays a pillow to my left side and turns me towards it. He removes the nipple clamps from my now aching breasts and I sigh in relief. Still bound by the spreader, Edward tips me forward until my forehead is centered on the soft white pillow. He slowly releases my hands and ankles from the bar and tosses it aside. It's a relief to be able to move my limbs again. He positions me forward so my forearms support my weight, knees on the ground, and ass in the air. I realize then that I'll be getting that spanking after all. Geez, haven't I been through enough?
"I'm going to use my wooden paddle on your backside, Isabella. Three strokes for each time you've disobeyed me. I believe that makes twelve total. I want you to count," he says coolly.
I feel the smooth paddle caress my behind as he prepares to begin. I take a deep breath and shut my eyes, only slightly concerned about the force my master will wield on my tender flesh. Whoosh! The paddle moves quickly through the air and lands on my left cheek. It stings, but in a good way. My center is still wet with desire.
"One," I croak gruffly. He hits me again. "Two!"
The spanking continues and is somewhat painful but I am so lost in my haze of lust it does nothing but increase my need for him. I can feel the vibrator move inside me each time the paddle touches my behind and the feeling is so erotic. All I can think about as I count out the whacks to my behind is whether or not Edward is going to fuck me after this. He said this scene concludes my punishment. I want nothing more than to come hard around his cock.
When it's over, Edward caresses my hot skin with his hand. I know my ass is pink and the thought makes me happy, proud even.
"Stand up, pet," Edward says softly. I do as I'm told and he stands in front of me with a look of love and awe in his expression. I want so badly to kiss him.
He reaches around my waist and removes the vibrator from my pussy. "You've taken your punishment admirably and have followed all my instructions tonight without fail," Edward says.
My eyes widen as I gaze at his beautiful face and he lets a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth.
"Come," he says motioning with two fingers for me to follow him to the bed. I hadn't even noticed it was here on stage with us this whole time.
Edward keeps his eyes on mine as he slowly pulls his t-shirt over his head and drops it to the floor. Then he removes his belt from his pants equally slowly. He's stripping for me! My heart skips a beat. When he steps out of his pants my body starts to ache again. Finally he removes his satin boxers and stands naked in front of me. It takes all my strength not to throw myself into his arms.
"Lay down on the bed, Isabella. Let your legs hang over the edge," he says.
I comply immediately, giddy from knowing my master is finally going to take me again. I'm so worked up from this scene I hope I won't come embarrassingly quickly. I want to enjoy the feeling of his cock inside me again. I lie down as instructed and reach my hands over my head. Edward steps forward, parting my legs and settling his hard cock against my core. Fuck, even this feels amazing.
"I'm going to fuck you now, my dear. You may come at will, your punishment is over."
Hallelujah! Edward teases my pussy with his finger to ensure I'm ready and them slams his erection into me. I cry out in pleasure as the feeling of fullness washes over me. Fuck, I needed this; needed him. I can't ever imagine not having Edward in my life now. He is so important to me, like air or water. It's a heady feeling.
His thrusts increase and I feel myself beginning to lose control. "Sit up," he orders through his own ragged breathing. I do as I'm told, leaning back on my hands to hold myself up. The change in angle is intense and I watch him slide deeper inside me. My fingers grip the satin sheets and my head falls back. Just a little more and it'll all be over. Seven longs days of sexual frustration bubbles up inside me and I explode around him, clenching my fingers tighter with a high pitched scream bellowing from my lips. I'm experiencing too much bliss to care how I look or sound to our onlookers, completely consumed by my powerful orgasm.
The tightening of my inner muscles triggers Edward's release and he comes hard and fast seconds after me. His arm wraps around my back, holding me close as we come down from such intense highs. Edward kisses my neck and collarbone over and over and for a moment I forget we're being watched. I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and kiss him wherever I can reach, desperate to prolong our intimate contact. His lips travel to my cheeks and finally my lips. I mewl softly at the loving way he's thanking me. I idly wonder if Miss Victoria is still watching.
Too soon, Edward pulls out and helps me to stand once more. He bends down to pick up his jeans and pulls out my delicate silver collar from the pocket. I can't help the huge grin that claims my face as he reaches around my neck and clasps it back where it belongs. After this week I will never wear my collar again without permission but something about the look in Edward's eyes tells me I'll be wearing it a lot more from now on.