CHAPTER THIRTEEN

When it came to fine dining in Haven, there was only one place respectable enough for Master Cullen. The Red Rose expected a certain level of class from all those who entered through its sturdy oak wooden doors. Set inside a large gothic revival mansion, the entire restaurant resided on the first floor.

Isabella exited the car slowly taking in the impressive architecture and understood why it was imperative for her to change. Even in her blue dress, she wondered if she was dressed fine enough to not cause embarrassment.

"What's wrong?" Master Cullen asked sensing her hesitation.

Isabella looked down at her clothing and felt the fabric through her fingers once more.

"I don't really know if I'm dressed properly."

Master Cullen could not understand what she meant by the statement.

"Is this about the damn dress again?" He huffed in anger.

Isabella's eyes lit up for the first time since donning the dress.

"Of course not!" She spit. "This place looks a lot fancier than what I am wearing. That was all I meant."

Master Cullen felt his blood begin to cool and once again he felt embarrassed that he spoke to her in such a manner. Isabella wasn't being difficult; she was feeling unsure of herself.

He took a few steps toward her and attempted to soften his features.

"You look absolutely divine. You are perfect."

Perfect. That's what she was and even though Master Cullen could already feel more than just a pull to Isabella, he was still weary of his intentions. He held out an arm for her to take and after a few seconds debate, Isabella obliged and weaved her arm through his.

They walked up the path and the door man rushed to open the door as he saw the couple approach. Isabella felt her breath taken away when she entered into the lobby of the fancy home. Gold and crystal chandeliers and deep polished wood were just the beginning. Plush red velvet chairs adorned the entry as well as ornate oil paintings.

Isabella felt even more underdressed. This kind of place back home would have required ball gowns and tuxedos.

Home.

Isabella thought about that for a moment. It was the first time she thought back to her time in Washington and reminisced about it being home. But this was her home now. Old dresses and even older mindsets was what was considered home now.

"Mr. Cullen. Welcome. Would you enjoy your usual table today, sir?"

An older gentleman dressed in the usual suit happily approached. He looked over Isabella and it was the first time she was given an approving smile. Apparently her change of wardrobe had done its job.

"Yes, that will be fine," Master Cullen stated in a bored tone.

He pulled Isabella along gently toward the table nearest the window and furthest from any other diner. He purposely pulled out the chair for Isabella and helped her settle in before retreating toward his chair.

"A bottle of your finest red will do for now," he ordered.

There were no menus given and Isabella found it odd. She also found it disconcerting as she missed the opportunity to use the menu as a barrier between Master Cullen and her thoughts.

Since there was no menu, Isabella focused her eyes on the china at her place. She could feel his eyes on her but refused to look up.

"So…" He started.

Isabella swallowed and finally looked up.

"So," She replied looking around. "It's uh…a lovely place."

Small talk was never Isabella's strong suit.

"It is," Master Cullen replied. He bit down on the inside of his cheek but then decided that there were things that needed to be said.

"We need to talk."

Isabella nodded.

"Yeah…we kind of already are. Talking…we are talking now."

Isabella berated herself. How was it possible that this man always made her feel so unintelligent?

"You know what we need to talk about. There's no beating around this bush. You and I…we need to know what our intentions are. I think that is what is wrong with this whole scenario."

"Intentions? Scenario?" Isabella asked.

Master Cullen looked into her eyes.

"I think that I have been very unclear about a few things. If I expect certain things from you, it's only fair that I relay to you my intentions and I should know yours as well."

Isabella narrowed her eyes trying to read through the rhetoric of what he was saying. She bit down on her lip. Isabella knew that this was the most opportune moment to really find out more. If she was going to decide what her intentions were going to be, she would need much more information first.

"Okay. I am willing to have this conversation; however, I want to know more first. I think it's only fair that you share with me a few more things before I can fully make up my mind on what it is that I want or need from you. It's only fair."

Master Cullen was slightly impressed. He leaned back in his chair and breathed out pointedly. He knew that Isabella digging for information could be problematic however, if she was thirsty for information, it would be better for him to tell her instead of consulting with another source.

"What is it you would like to know?"

Isabella took a deep breath and was relieved that he was amenable to her request.

"I want you to tell me…about this…curse."

She felt completely idiotic even saying the word but if it had something to do with her in any way, she needed to know.

Master Cullen didn't know exactly what Mr. Newton had said to her but it was as he feared. That damn curse! It was only a matter of time before Isabella would find this out. He looked her in the eye and managed to maintain his composure.

"It's a silly wives tale."

"I still want to know," She stated.

Master Cullen thought about it for a minute wondering if what he told her would cause any determent to their situation.

"Does it concern me in any way?" Isabella pressed.

He sighed and shook his head.

"I told you once before that your family and my family had its issues," He began.

Isabella sat forward in her chair, excited that he was willing to share. But before he would continue the maître d came back to fill their glasses with the wine once Master Cullen approved of it.

"Well…as it goes, the townspeople all believe that somehow, because of our family's feuds, the town was placed under a curse. As you may have noticed, even though my father and your father finally put an end to all the ridiculousness, the townspeople here still hold their allegiances to certain sides. As I have said before, our families fought over land rights. It was the beginning of everything. The families fought and fought with one another until something unimaginable happened. One Swan had the audacity to fall in love with one Cullen. Naturally the families were against any sort of union. The pair of…star crossed lovers, if you will, married in secret and lived on their own for several months until the Swan girl became pregnant."

"Pregnant," Isabella said softly.

"Yes. My family has maintained a lineage of doctors since the beginning…well until I came around but because the Cullens were the best, the two returned to Haven when the Swan girl began to have complications. The Swans and the Cullens managed to come together for the sake of the child being born but when the child and mother died during delivery; the Swans blamed it on the Cullens. It would cause more turmoil than the previous debates on the land rights. The senior Swan told the Cullen clan that he wished every kind of curse upon our house. He said, may you never find love since you know nothing of it and may all your days be filled with uncertainty for your future. He believed that without love, it would eventually lead to the extinction of Cullens but his words did not go as directed."

Master Cullen paused for a brief moment thinking about his story. He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"It's all very idiotic. The whole thing. A curse. Really? Who would believe such a thing existed. I don't understand how the townspeople still believe this silly wives tale after all this time. People were so silly back then believing in curses and such and yet they all still believe it even in this day and age."

"Well maybe if you brought everyone to the twenty-first century, they could understand your reasoning…in this day and age," Isabella mocked.

Master Cullen narrowed his eyes realizing that she made a fair point. He didn't like it but it was a point well made.

"Please continue," Isabella added hurriedly. "You still haven't told me what exactly the curse is."

Master Cullen pursed his lips and relaxed infinitesimally.

"The people believe that the curse affected every single citizen, even the Swans. Since that day when the senior most Swan said those words, every single union for the citizens has resulted in at least one spousal demise."

Isabella's forehead crinkled in concern. She looked around the room at the other diners and witnessed that many of them were either dining alone or with family. There were few couples.

"Awe come on. You really don't believe that. I mean that's like impossible."

"I don't know what I believe anymore," He replied solemnly thinking about his own dearly departed.

"There has to be a logical explanation," Isabella defended.

Master Cullen huffed and for a moment he couldn't believe that he was about to defend the silly townspeople and their wives' tale.

"People have been mauled by wolves and other fantastic beasts. There have been drownings, freak accidents and sickness. I don't know what I believe but even I have lost someone dear to me. Even Charles Swan couldn't escape going across the country. After all, where exactly is your mother now at days?"

That was a harsh comment but in that moment Master Cullen felt contempt for Isabella. He had lost someone he loved. Did he believe in such a curse? He wanted to say no but deep down; he couldn't close his eyes to the facts.

"My mother…she died of cancer. She wasn't cursed, Master Cullen. I don't believe in curses, ghosts or any other supernatural thing. I believe there is a logical explanation for everything. You may have lost your wife and the rest of these people may have lost someone too but I still think that there is an explanation."

"Well…ignorance is something to be expected in someone so young who hasn't had the opportunity to live long enough to know better."

"Careful Master Cullen, you're beginning to sound like your so called silly townsfolk and their silly wives tales."

Isabella smirked and gave that superior head nod. She knew she had him now.

"Well, well, Miss Swan for the win," Master Cullen said sarcastically. "I told what you wanted to know so can we finally discuss more important matters?"

"You know, you did say that this place served dinner. Wouldn't it be prudent of you to allow us to eat so that I can soak up some of the wine? We haven't even been given menus yet."

As if on cue, two waiters came toward the table with a bowl of soup for the pair. In synchronized fashion, they placed the bowls directly down in front of Isabella and Master Cullen.

"They don't have a menu here. They have a set meal every night. You eat what is given to you."

Isabella tilted her head a little and picked up her spoon.

"Just like your house," she mumbled under her breath.

Master Cullen caught it but let it go. He allowed her to get in a few spoonful's of her soup before beginning once again on the much needed conversation.

"I need to know what exactly you want or expect from me."

Isabella couldn't believe his statement.

"You want to know what I want?" She questioned. "I…thought you usually told me what I want."

"Don't be cheeky. I want a serious answer from you. This is a very serious conversation and I want…you to take it as such."

Isabella sighed and looked back down into her soup. It was a tomato base but unlike anything she had ever tried. Very good but completely different and foreign.

"I don't know." She looked back up at him. "I know what I don't want if that helps."

Master Cullen narrowed his eyes once again.

"Okay, tell me what you don't want."

Isabella was more afraid to answer that because she knew that he may not like what she had to say.

"I don't want to lose myself. I'm scared. I see what you want of me and it terrifies me that when this is all over, I won't be me anymore. I happen to like me."

Master Cullen knew exactly what she meant. He considered her words for a moment.

"I happen to like you too…but I don't see anything wrong with you attempting to adapt to some parts of this life. You are living in my house. You are teaching my children. I haven't asked you to do anything dangerous or something that would hinder your health…"

"That may be true but you have to have a little more patience with me. I mean what kind of person would I be if I just accepted everything you offered without question? A person like that isn't someone I would want in my house or near my children."

"Patience." He tested the word out. "I don't do well with patience, do I?"

"Well that's the understatement of the year," Isabella replied without thinking.

Master Cullen shook his head but he wasn't upset.

"I can try…with effort."

"Well please do because you're very intense and sometimes I don't know whether to run or find a heavy object to fend you off."

Master Cullen was sadden by her words.

"I don't want you to run….or have a need to find a heavy object."

He thought for a second.

"Why don't you tell me when you're starting to feel like I'm being too much for you to handle. I don't want you running anymore. If I get too intense for you, please tell me and I will do my best to readjust."

Isabella liked this compromise. She didn't want to leave even if there were times that every fiber in her being was telling her to do so.

"Okay. I like that suggestion."

The soup was picked up once again in unison and two new waiters appeared with salad which they placed down in front of them in perfect timing. Isabella couldn't help but laugh at the whole dance in her head as she picked up the small fork.

"What exactly do you want from me, Master Cullen?" She bravely asked.

She was worried for the answer because either way she didn't know how she would feel. What if he said he merely needed her to satisfy his sexual cravings? It would upset her. However, she didn't necessarily want a commitment from him either.

It was the question that Master Cullen dreaded himself because he hadn't quite figured out what he wanted or needed from her. He knew he cared for her but he wasn't planning on marrying the girl.

"I'm not sure." He pulled himself closer to her and spoke softly. "I do care for you Isabella but I don't know what kind of commitment I can offer you. I want to do things with you…things I haven't done in a very long time. When I'm with you…even with how little we have done, it feels…unlike anything I have ever felt. I don't know exactly where this is going but I want to take the time to see what more we can do. At least until you decide you can't go any further. But if that happens…I don't know if I will be able to keep you in my life. I don't know how I can see you and not touch you knowing what we could have achieved."

Isabella felt her whole body on fire when he spoke. She knew it was wrong to be here now, discussing this. She was his employee and therefore they should never enter into a physical relationship. Isabella had always been level headed but since she had arrived, she could feel this strange pull toward the man who sat across from her. She should deny anything further but she had been responsible her whole life.

It's my turn to be irresponsible, she thought.

"I think we need to have boundaries. Something to stop us from going too far and also we shouldn't allow whatever this is to get in the way of my job of educating your children. We need a clear set of rules and maybe a contract…"

"No," he declared. "We can have some rules but we don't need to make this any more complicated than it already is. I won't touch you unless we are assured complete and utter privacy. If at any time you feel that it is too much, all you have to do is say so. You will continue to do your job and I will continue to require the best from you in that position. I don't want to play silly games. If an opportunity arises and we are both amenable, then we will let it happen. No silly guidelines or contracts. This isn't a business deal. If you tell me no, I will respect that. Agreed?"

Isabella bit her lip but she nodded her head in agreement. They went on to have their dinner but Isabella still felt everything was up in the air. When exactly would their first encounter be? Would they have sex? Would it be as amazing as she imagined? There were plenty of questions in her head to keep her mind busy throughout dinner. She didn't know that the man sitting across from her was wondering the same things.

Master Cullen didn't have a plan. He knew it would be up to him to initiate but there wasn't anything set out in his mind for when or where. He needed the silence as much as she did during dinner. The car ride home wasn't any better and sadly when the two went to wish each other a good night, it was awkward.

Isabella did feel awkward. How was she going to fare with this decision? As she readied herself for bed she decided that she was not going to let this ruin her dominant intentions for being at that house. She had a job to do. Teaching and caring for the Cullen children came first and her sexual needs came second.

That was Isabella's every intention however, when it came to focusing on her work that week, she did not fare as well as previous weeks. Even Alice and Rosalie felt that there was something off to the way their governess was teaching. Even though she had begun to wear the wardrobe that their father had purchased, Miss Swan was certainly having trouble focusing and Rosalie knew that when it came to Saturday's assessment, they were in some serious trouble.

It occurred to Isabella how horrible she had been when she saw the girl's test scores come back. It wasn't fair that they be punished for her poor performance. She hadn't seen Master Cullen since their fancy dinner in Haven. His absence certainly didn't help ease her mind. So Isabella made a decision. She needed to decide on what was more important, teaching or her needs.

On Friday night, she knocked on the hard wooden door to Master Cullen's office and waited for admittance. His approval came quickly and so with one last deep breath in she entered.

Master Cullen had been watching Isabella from afar throughout the week and was slightly disappointed that she seemed to be distracted. It was curious that she would arrive here on her own so he was most interested in what she was about to say.

"I can't do this. I'm sorry but I completely failed your children this week and it is because my head has been so not in the right place that I screwed up and I know you're going to want to punish them but please don't. It was all my fault. Please don't punish them for my poor judgment. But…I can't do…this…with you. I can't be with you and have trouble focusing. I can't be everything to everyone."

Master Cullen didn't know what to think but something made him almost smile. Almost but not.

"We haven't done anything, Miss Swan."

Isabella walked a little more forward, "I know! We haven't hardly done anything but I can't think anymore. I keep wondering when or what and it's all too overwhelming. I guess I don't do well with mystery. I just need…"

She didn't finish because she didn't know what she needed so Master Cullen decided to finish for her.

"You need sex."

Isabella's eyes widen.

"No! That's not what I meant. I didn't say that…I just…did you not hear anything I just said?" She was completely flustered. "I'm a mess."

An opportunity had presented itself.

"Well, why don't I give you what I think you need and we can see if it helps with your problem."

Isabella could feel her heart begin to race. She should go but she couldn't think, say one word or do anything else for that matter.

"Come here. Come and stand behind my desk and I will give you what you need."

His voice was like velvet. Like the devil himself calling her to hell. She walked forward as if in a trance and went to stand behind his desk.

AN: So sorry it took so long to get this out to you. I hope you will enjoy but I will warn you that next chapter may lose some of you. Hope you can allow for it and be satisfied. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who voted for this story, it was awarded third place in Favorite undiscovered fic. It means so much to me and also all the reviews that have been left. I will strive to not disappoint or take so long to post next time.