CHAPTER TEN

"I'll be sure to let you know…Miss Swan."

Isabella laid in her bed with her eyes focused on the underside to her impressive canopy bed. Master Cullen's words had kept her from finding sleep as she tried to interpret his meaning. He sounded like he already knew exactly what he wanted from her and yet, what could it possibly be for him to not just share immediately?

She worried that a riddle like this would keep her up the rest of the night. It was a good thing that the next day was Sunday and another day off from her teaching duties. Eventually Isabella's eyes were too heavy to fight and sleep came quickly.

Master Cullen was only a few rooms away but he wasn't wrestling with the idea of sleep. He remained in his grand armchair staring out over the maze with an aged Brandy in his hand. He too replayed one moment over and over in his head but the moment he had decided to focus on was the kiss. He licked his lips tasting the rich alcohol and poured himself another.

Isabella Swan.

Daughter to his family's once adversary and now he felt himself overcome with feelings. Master Cullen wanted to blame the tonic in his hands for his clouded judgement but he knew deep down that his next actions were done on his own volition. He found himself outside the young governess's bedroom door and within a thoughtless moment, he was inside her room while she lay sleeping in her bed.

Master Cullen slowly walked toward the bed, treading so lightly that even the floor boards didn't protest under his weight and give him away. The moon light lit his path and soon he was at the side Isabella's bed. His mind fought him trying to remain objective. This was wrong. He shouldn't be here but those negative thoughts wouldn't stop him.

The bed sagged marginally under his weight when he sat down beside Isabella's still body. A gentle hand reached out to brush aside a few forgotten locks and paused on her cheek. A deep breath in should have caused Master Cullen alarm but instead he sat still waiting for it to pass.

Isabella moaned softly and her forehead wrinkled slightly before she mumbled out a word that would cause Master Cullen's heart to stop.

"Edward."

Master Cullen waited to see if her beautiful eyes would open but they did not.

"Isabella," He responded softly.

She did not reply.

"I am here, Isabella." He leaned down so that his lips were nearly touching her ear and whispered, "What is it you want? I can give you everything."

Isabella moaned once more but this time it was more pronounced. Her body began to squirm under the covers and Master Cullen imagined the mysteries he could find underneath those sheets.

"What do you need my Isabella? What do you desire?"

"Yes….more," She mumbled. "More."

"There will be more. There will be so much more but we need to be patient."

It was a miracle that he wasn't caught but before he was to leave Isabella, Master Cullen would take another advantage and steal one more kiss. What was this girl doing to him? There were several factors he was not willing to admit to but he knew deep down how she was more important to him than anyone who came before.

The door closed behind him and Isabella instantly snapped out of her dark dream. She look around the room wondering what she had heard but then dismissed her notions believing that the dream was what had awaken her. Isabella ran her hands over her face and felt thoroughly embarrassed of the fantasy that had taken place. It was completely inappropriate to think of her employer in such a manner.

"But he kissed me first!" She grumbled.

No, in fact he was always the instigator of the inappropriateness, she thought. The fantasies that had been put into her head were the result of him and him alone. But then she began to think harder and Isabella knew that she wasn't completely faultless. She wanted those kisses and the dampness from between her legs told her she was desperate for more.

It was just passed three in the morning when Isabella finally settled back down. After a half hour of berating herself and deciding that she needed to be the one to put an end to Master Cullen's inappropriate relationship, sleep came once more.

Like the previous Sunday, Isabella once again did not make it down to for breakfast. Instead, she spent the better part of her morning rehearsing a speech she planned to give Master Cullen. Isabella lay in bed and went over her wording. She didn't want to offend him but she needed to make it clear once more that she was only there for the position he hired her to fulfill.

Her head felt cloudy and she began to blame her mind's fogginess on the house. She had not been in contact with anyone except for the occupants of the house and Sheriff Black since she had arrived. It was time that she explored the town, for any human contact was surly more desirable than what she had been exposed to thus far. Maybe if she spent her day in town, she would be able to see reason and have answers.

The only problem with her little plan was that Master Cullen seemed to find a way to keep her at the house. She would try walking but the ten miles did seem daunting and what would be the point if he just planned on having her arrested or stopping her like he had done many times before.

Isabella knew she needed to gather up the courage and seek out Master Cullen to persuade him into letting her go for the day. Maybe he would direct Mr. Whitlock to see her to town. Deciding to leave the inappropriate workplace conversation for later, Isabella began to prepare her argument for visiting the town. She prepared every counter argument while she showered and got ready for the day.

Before the tall clock would strike at noon, Isabella found herself outside Master Cullen's study's door. She knocked hard just twice and waited for an invitation for entrance but one did not come. After a minutes time, she once again tried to knock but this time she opened the door slowly.

"Master Cullen," She said peeking around the door.

"I asked you not to call me that." His voice caused her to jump.

He wasn't inside the study, but somehow he had magically appeared directly behind her.

"What did you…where…why aren't you in your study?" She questioned harshly, embarrassed that he had made her look a fool.

"It's Sunday. God's day. You expect me to work on God's day?" He teased.

"You worked last Sunday," She wagered.

"True. Have you always been so observant of my actions?"

Isabella narrowed her eyes and thought of a response.

"I needed to ask you a question." She decided it would probably be best to not engage in anymore more banter than needed. She was well aware of his charms and did not want to lose her nerve that she had worked up for the better part of her morning.

Master Cullen walked around her and pulled his study's door closed pointedly. He did want her to feel welcomed to just enter any room without permission. The hypocrisy was not lost on him but he didn't care.

"Miss Swan, please wait for an invitation next time. If I was in the middle of something private, I would not appreciate being barged in on."

Something private? She wondered. What exactly was he afraid of her seeing?

"Sure," She dismissed, "Anyway, as I was saying I have a question…."

"So you have said but you have yet to ask it," He cut her off.

Isabella was quickly becoming frustrated with his demeanor. How was it that she could be so incredibly attracted to this man one moment and completely turned off the next?

"I would like to go into town today. I was wondering if maybe I could be dropped off. In the past you have expressed your distaste in me walking that distance with…wolves and whatever other wildlife that could cause me peril so…."

She couldn't hold back a disbelieving eye roll. Isabella had yet to see any wild animals or hear of them. She thought that Master Cullen was a tad high strung for no reason when it came to the local wildlife.

"This isn't a joke, Miss Swan. You may choose to dismiss my concerns but at the very least be vigilant for it would bring me no pleasure the moment I was able to say, I told you so."

Isabella sighed and tried to not look affected by his words. He was reprimanding her once more in his tone and she hated feeling like an errant child.

"Master Cullen."

"Edward. I thought we agreed on Edward."

Ever since he heard his name coming from her mouth, he didn't want to hear himself referred to as anything other.

"And I asked you to call me Bella but you never respected my request." She raised a challenging eyebrow.

"True. However since I am your employer and you are merely my employee, tradition serves that I determine the rules to abide by. If I ask you to call me Edward, you should do as I ask."

"Then I suggest you submit your request in writing to change the guidelines you set forth. You never know, us lowly employees may not fully understand what is being asked of us and we wouldn't want to upset our supreme leader in any manner."

Now she was beginning to feel the boiling blood run through her veins. At the moment, it was clear that this Master Cullen was the one she detested. Master Cullen on the other hand was never more turned on when he could feel the challenge and irritation in every word Isabella spoke.

"For now how about you do as I ask and call me Edward. In return I will call you Miss Swan during business hours and Isabella in private."

Isabella sighed in frustration. "Fine, whatever. I guess it's better than nothing."

Master Cullen took a small step forward. "You don't like Isabella?"

Isabella tried to hold her stance but it was difficult. His voice was soft and sensual and when he stepped forward, she was overwhelmed from the scent that wafted from his body. Her mind was clouded but suddenly a memory from this morning popped up into her head and she remembered the speech she was to give him on inappropriate actions in the workplace.

Isabella took a sobering step back and the haze diminished quickly from her eyes.

"Master Cullen."

"Edward," he corrected.

"Master Cullen," she stated louder. "We have to talk."

"I thought we were talking," he couldn't hold back a smirk.

"No. I mean…yes, but we need to talk about something else." Isabella tried but every minute she would find herself challenged and losing.

"You want to go to town," Master Cullen stated flatly.

"No. I mean yes, I do want to go to town but I think we should talk about something else first."

Isabella berated herself. This morning when she had rehearsed what she was going to say, the conversation went a lot differently.

"Of course, what would you like to talk about now? We could discuss the Christian Crusades or the evolution of man and the growth in abilities with the help of technology. There's philosophy…."

"I am not amused," Isabella snapped irritated.

Master Cullen stole a step forward causing Isabella to back up nearly touching his study door.

"You're upset with me." He moved forward and was inches from her ear, "What is it you want? What do you desire?"

Her eyes closed as if he had put her into some kind of trance. She had a thought that it was almost like the dream she had last night but would she answer him now the way she had last night in her dream. Yes, she wanted it. She wanted him to take her properly. Not just more feverish kissing, she wanted more. She wanted to feel his touch fulfill every single need her body could request.

The tall clock on the top of the stairs began to toll announcing twelve o'clock and like a snap of a hypnotist's fingers, Isabella woke up from her silly fantasy.

"Master Cullen! This is what we need to talk about." She put out a warning finger and began to advance on him. "This! This isn't proper. What we have done in the past is not proper especially for two people in our position. You are my employer. My boss. I am not the type of girl who gets…freaky with her boss. I would appreciate in the future if you would remember the roles we must play. I don't want any inappropriate advances from you…anymore."

The words she said would have been powerful if she had managed to say them with conviction. Master Cullen however did not hear a warning to stay away; he heard a girl who was very much undecided and knew not what she truly wanted.

Master Cullen looked around for a quick second before determining that they wouldn't be caught. In one swift movement, he caught Isabella's wrist and pushed the door to his study open, pulling her quickly inside before shutting the door again.

"Master…" Isabella was about to protest loudly but she wasn't able to finish her thought. Master Cullen pushed her harshly up against the back of the door and cut off any further protests with his lips. His body meshed with hers and only for a few seconds more did Isabella attempt to object before giving in completely.

This time Isabella wrapped her arms around his neck and refused to let go even if he attempted to stop her but Master Cullen wasn't planning on stopping this time. He wanted her to know that her desires were equal to his own. His hands began to roam over her body beginning at the top. He didn't play with her breasts as much as Isabella would have liked, he only lingered for a moment to check that her nipples had indeed harden underneath the ugly sweater she had chosen to wear. His hands continued next toward her hips and he released her lips and set a course for her neck. He wanted to hear her moans expressed when his fingers managed the journey down between her legs.

Her center was hot but he was not given the delight to feel her wetness as she had chosen to wear mannish pants. Even though his finger was not able to go further he did manage to find where her pleasure button was so he began to toy with her.

"You say you don't like to wear dresses. You think they are outdated but imagine what my fingers could do to you if you had been wearing one today."

Isabella let out an embarrassing moan. Her head fell back to collide with the door as Master Cullen continued to slide his fingers along the crease of her vagina lips that strained through the fabric.

"You're my employee, Isabella. Isn't that right? I'm your boss? Are you sure you don't want me to be inappropriate with you?" He pushed her a little harder and she yelped. She could feel her sensitive spot pulsating and she imagined how fast she would cum if he could slide just one finger inside her.

"Please," She whispered so softly he almost didn't hear her.

"You want me to please you?" He asked and she quickly nodded her head. His lips moved in closer to her ear as he kept one hand firmly between her legs. "Then you have to please me first."

He quickened the pace of his fingers knowing how close she was to coming undone.

"We are going into town today and you will wear what I buy for you. I know what you're feeling right now. You want to finish, don't you, Isabella?"

She was so close and she began to try to push herself down on his hand but the moment she did, Master Cullen removed his hand and completely stopped. He placed his hand on the other side of her head and caged her between his arms. Isabella, found herself panting and severely disappointed to the near point of tears.

"When you are dressed properly then I will finish you."

Master Cullen pushed of the door allowing Isabella her freedom back.

"You didn't have breakfast so we will have lunch and then leave for town."

Isabella felt utterly confused. What had just happened? How had she not completed the task that she had come here to do? She began to walk toward her quarters after exiting the study but Master Cullen's hand reached out to stop her.

"The dining room is down the stairs, Isabella."

"I need…to…have a moment." She searched out her words carefully but what she had intended was at the very least a change of underwear.

"It's almost ten past. Mrs. Cope will think we are not eating and discard our food. We should go."

Master Cullen knew exactly what Isabella wanted to do but he liked the idea of her sitting across from him at his table in the soil that he created. He let go of her arm but allowed her to go first insuring that she make it to their destination. But before they reached the door to the dining room, Master Cullen pulled her back once more and this time she had the good sense to protest.

"What now?" She snapped.

Master Cullen took his hands and smoothed out her hair as best as he could. He finished off with running his finger over her lips to wipe away any mistake her lipstick had made from their adventures.

"Didn't think you would want to give Mrs. Cope more of fright then you already will with those…clothes."

Isabella rolled her eyes once more at the mockery of her wardrobe. It wasn't that bad and in fact, anywhere else, she would be found completely acceptable in any place for that matter. She turned and entered the dining room with Master Cullen right behind her.

Alice and Rosalie were in the middle of their salads when the disruption occurred. Both their heads snapped to see their governess and father come in. It truly was a bizarre sight. For one, lunch was well underway and no one ever came late to meals unless you wanted to hear about it or be punished. Secondly, the girls never had lunch with their father. Lunch and breakfast was always served in their father's study unless he was away.

"Ladies," Master Cullen addressed them before pulling out Isabella's chair.

Isabella felt a rush to her cheeks and she eyed the young daughters wondering if they noticed the gesture. It was clear that they had.

"Mrs. Cope!" Master Cullen called.

At once, Mrs. Cope came bustling in from the kitchen and stopped in her spot because she too didn't know what to make of the scene before her eyes.

"My apologies for our tardiness. Miss Swan and I had some business to attend to. Please serve us."

Mrs. Cope looked over to Isabella and eyed her suspiciously. Isabella looked down and focused on the silver setting at her place hoping to not be found out.

"Absolutely, Master Cullen. Right away."

Mrs. Cope returned to the kitchen to scrounge up the proper portions. Rosalie and Alice returned to their salads keeping their eyes focused on their plates as usual.

"Ladies," Master Cullen called their attention. "I have recently been made aware that perhaps it would benefit your education if we were to allow conversation at the dining table. If you should find a topic worthy of merit then please feel free to express your opinion. That is all."

Isabella was happy that he had complied with one of her requests however she didn't feel he presented the opportunity well. Alice and Rosalie took their father's words to mean that they were allowed to talk but only if it was needed.

Mrs. Cope had entered at the end of the master's speech and nearly dropped the contents in her arms. Things were not right. First, the master attends lunch and then he changes the meal time policy? Mrs. Cope couldn't help but turn her head and narrow her eyes at the sure culprit behind these new changes. The Swan girl had been here only a handful of days and already she managed to turn the master's head with her wicked ways, Mrs. Cope thought.

"So…girls…what do you have planned for today? Anything fun or exciting?" Isabella tried to find a way to engage in the new talking policy but both Rosalie and Alice were unsure if they should answer. Her question did not seem to merit worthiness in their father's eyes.

"My sister and I wished to visit the maze today," Rosalie cautiously answered.

It had been a long time since she was able to play with her sister. Usually Alice was confined to her bedroom on Sunday's due to a dismal performance on Saturday night's assessment. But today, they were finally able to go out together to explore.

Isabella briefly thought of her ventures in the maze and felt her cheeks begin to warm. Mrs. Cope didn't miss that either as she plopped down a serving of salad.

"That sounds lovely."

Isabella focused on her salad and waited for inspiration to come again for her next topic.

"Mrs. Cope, you can bring the main and then be done," Master Cullen requested.

Mrs. Cope was surprised at the early dismissal but she went back to the kitchen to collect the hearty stew she had prepared. She came back in and cleared the salad plates from everyone's places and then followed it up by bringing the bowls for the stew along with the bread. She made sure every person had just one piece before returning to the kitchen to gather the stew.

Just as Mrs. Cope was finishing up pouring the contents in Alice's bowl, Master Cullen spoke once more.

"Mrs. Cope, thank you and in addition, Isabella and I will not be attending dinner this evening so please be sure to make only enough needed. That is all."

He called her Isabella! No one in the room missed that even though Master Cullen was not aware of his phrasing. Mrs. Cope hurried back to the kitchen and dropped the pot of stew down in the sink. She could feel the anger rising up inside as she couldn't believe the ridiculousness her master had acted on. Surely this was nothing more than a fling. The master was lonely and needed a bed warmer so he sought out the easiest willing participant he had access to. Mrs. Cope kept telling herself this over and over until her blood pressure began to decrease.

Master Cullen went on with eating his stew and Isabella could not begin to find a topic that would be enough to take her mind off the peculiar lunch she was having. Thankfully, the meal only lasted a few minutes more before Master Cullen was to dismiss his daughters.

"We will be in town the rest of the day. Please refer to Mr. Whitlock and Mrs. Cope if you should need anything. I expect you both to be on your best behavior, correct?"

"Yes, father." The daughters both replied in unison.

"Isabella." Master Cullen held out a hand telling her to lead the way.

Isabella stood up from her spot and wished the girls a good day.

"I should probably change before we leave," Isabella said.

"There's no reason to. You'll be in new clothes in no time. It will be our first stop as I wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself when you greet the town for the first time officially."

He left no room for argument and once again held out his hand indicating her to go. Isabella was most curious of this town and their residents. If it was true and her father really did live here once, did he too prescribe to this outdated way of life?

Isabella should be offended and turned off by a person dictating that her attire was unsuitable and making her change but she remembered the words that Master Cullen had whispered in her ear and could not help but go along with the plan for the day. It was a conundrum. On one hand she should have more respect for herself and tell Master Cullen where he could shove those fingers and yet on the other hand, she knew exactly where she wanted Master Cullen to shove those fingers and therefore she had no choice but to agree with Mrs. Cope. She may not have known exactly what Mrs. Cope was thinking but she could read her face well enough. Isabella Swan was turning into a wicked, wicked girl.

AN: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I would especially like to thank whomever nominated this story for the Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards. The Governess has been nominated for Favorite Undiscovered Fanfic and Favorite Work in Progress. If you would like to vote, type into a search engine, Fanatics Fanfics Awards and it will pop up. Once again thank you soo much for your continued support!

Disclaimer: Story is mine, characters belong to Stephanie Meyer.