Chapter 8

"Don't move," I whispered to Edward. Quickly, I walked to the bedroom door and shut it in Rose's face before she could see inside. I locked the door and scrambled to find Edward's clothing.

"Put these on," I hissed.

"This is going to be okay," Edward tried to assure me. "They'll just think they walked in on us fooling around." I didn't even turn my head to argue with Edward face to face. Instead, my eyes were trained on the doorknob as it jiggled from the other side.

"Bella? Are you in there? Open up," Rose called through the door.

I felt Edward's hand on my shoulder as he gently spun me towards him. He was dressed again and there was a smirk spreading across his face. "Chill, Bella. Will it really be that shocking to your friend and brother that you have a man in your bedroom?"

"Yes!" I whispered emphatically. "Rosalie is Jasper's brother. She will think I lied about not cheating on Jasper before we broke up."

Edward studied my face for a moment. "Okay, I get it. Just let me do the talking," he said smoothly, reaching for the doorknob and unlocking it before I could say another word.

Rosalie practically fell to the floor when the bedroom door opened unexpectedly. She looked at Edward and then at me. "Thank God you're alive, Bella," she stated with relief in her voice. "Who the fuck is this guy?" Jacob was standing directly behind her with the same look of relief mixed with horror on his face.

I crossed my arms defensively. "What did you think happened to me? I know I've been gloomy lately, but did you really think I'd overdose on sleeping pills or something?"

"We didn't know what to think when we couldn't get a hold of you for twenty four hours," Jacob explained.

"I was with you last night," I replied.

"Yeah, and you were acting weird; suspicious and elusive when I asked how you've been doing since the breakup," he countered. "For example, you never mentioned this guy..."

"I'm doing fine. I spent the day painting," I said. "This is Edward, by the way. Edward, meet my friend Rosalie, and you've met Jacob before."

My brother looked puzzled. "We have? Why didn't you tell me yesterday that you had a new boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend. You met him at the Hyatt the same day I did. Remember?"

"Oh, the most awkward blind date in history? I remember now," Jacob replied grinning.

I was about to say something lame about tonight being a second date with Edward to explain why he was in my apartment, but he spoke up behind me. "Actually, that was more of a job interview than a date. Bella has hired me to be the model for her latest oil painting."

Jacob laughed. "Seriously?"

Edward smiled and said, "Yes. That's why we didn't answer the door immediately. It's a nude painting and Bella was professional enough to help me find my clothes before the two of you walked in."

"So you're not fucking this guy?" Rosalie asked.

My cheeks flamed. Then I rolled my eyes to try and make my next words convincing enough to fool her. "Sex with Edward? Of course not!" I squeaked. "I'm paying him to sit for my painting. Why don't you guys back out of my doorway and I'll show it to you."

Rosalie and Jacob both looked stunned, but they backed up to let Edward and me pass through the bedroom door. I led them all into the living room and placed Man in Chair up on my easel so they could see it. I'd have to thank Edward later for saving my ass. I really thought I'd have to admit to my best friend and brother that I'd been sleeping with Edward just weeks after breaking up with Jasper.

Rosalie whistled long and slow when she saw the painting. I hoped Edward didn't mind I was showing two strangers an oil-based likeness of his naked body, but he was the one who brought it up. Given the way Edward was so open and generous with his body, I figured he didn't mind at all.

"It really looks like me, doesn't it?" he boasted. "Bella is very talented."

Jacob seemed unimpressed by the naked man on the canvas. "Why didn't you just tell me you were interviewing a male model when we went to that hotel?" he asked me.

"I don't know; it was embarrassing?" I lied. "You're my little brother."

"I'm three months younger than you and a foot taller," he said huffing. "Whatever. I'm just glad I didn't walk in on you two hooking up in here."

"Me too," I agreed smiling. "So, um, now that you guys see that I'm alive and well, do you mind leaving? Edward and I were going to have dinner soon."

"I thought I smelled something cooking," Rosalie said.

Edward stepped closer to me and placed his arm around my shoulder. "Bella, don't be so rude. Please stay and eat with us, Rosalie, Jacob. I'd love to get to know both of you better. Bella talks very little while she's painting. I'd love some real conversation," he joked.

I gave him a snide smile and lifted my hand to his back as he held me under his arm. It was then, when my hand brushed over his back, that I realized he was still tied up in the ropes from our scene. In the rush to get his clothes on before we were discovered, it completely slipped my mind that he was bound in rope! Oh, he must be so uncomfortable.

"We'd love to stay for dinner, right Jacob? As long as it's okay with Bella," Rosalie said smiling.

My eyes were wide, but I managed to smile and say I'd be happy to set two more plates at the table. "Edward, why don't you help me in the kitchen for a moment? Rose, you and Jacob have a seat and we'll be right back."

I practically had to pull Edward into the kitchen with me where we couldn't be heard. "I'll check on dinner. You go back into my room and get those ropes off!" I whispered.

Edward just smiled knowingly. "Why? I like feeling like we're still playing, even with your friends here. Don't you find it exciting?" he asked.

"No!" I replied horrified. "What if they notice that your entire torso is wrapped tightly in black bondage?"

"How are they going to notice that, exactly?"

I ignored his question and the amusement in his voice. "Isn't it uncomfortable to sit that way?"

"Not at all. It's turning me on, actually," he replied and grabbed my hand to show me. He placed my hand over his cock and I gasped when I felt how hard he was. He rubbed himself against my hand and groaned in pleasure. "See?"

"Please, oh please don't tell them anything about what we do together," I begged under my breath. "I could hardly explain why I broke up with Jasper. There's no way in the world they will ever understand us, Edward. They can't know!"

"Shh, shh," Edward cooed. "I'm not going to expose you, Bella. I would never do that."

I took a deep breath and felt a little better. I knew then that my secret was something I was still ashamed of and would never, ever be admitting; even to the people closest to me. "Fine. Then help me set the table," I ordered. This was not how our evening was supposed to go. I was bummed that I wouldn't be getting a quiet dinner alone with Edward. His overly hospitable manners quashed that idea.

Edward smiled triumphantly and got to work preparing the table for four instead of two. We worked together in the kitchen while Rose and Jacob chatted quietly in the living room. They both had mentioned that they thought I was acting weird. Since when did they communicate directly with each other? I hadn't known they even had one another's phone numbers. It made me wonder how much they talked about me behind my back. I planned to discuss that with Rose the next time we were alone.

It only took a few minutes to get dinner on the table, and then Edward called our guests over. He seemed very comfortable playing host, and I wondered if those social skills were honed while working at the escort service. Did he do this extended kind of playtime with any of his "off the books" clients? I fully intended to ask him later if he routinely subbed for anyone for the day or the weekend. I didn't understand why, but it seemed important for me to know if he did.

If my friends were truly worried about my odd behavior lately, then I knew this dinner was going to be brutal. Everything Edward and I said would be filed away for them to discuss later. It did make sense that they would be suspicious, since I had never given either of them a good reason for breaking up with Jasper. But in my mind, it was none of their damn business. Except that Rose was Jasper's sister. Twin sister. She thought that made anything related to him her business.

"Did you work today, Ro?" I asked to break the ice. It was a dumb question. A Friday evening and she was dressed in business casual.

"Yes, I did. Jacob told me how aloof you were last night, and you hadn't answered my texts all day, so as soon as I finished for the day we decided to meet here to check on you."

I glared at Jacob. "I thought we had fun at the diner last night, hanging out like old times," I said defensively.

Jacob shrugged. "We did, but you were still distant. I was worried there was a lot you weren't telling me." His eyes shifted over to Edward and the obvious direction of his thoughts didn't miss anyone's attention.

The room was quiet for a minute while we passed plates around and everyone began eating. Just as I was about to offer to open a bottle of wine, Rosalie spoke up. "So, Edward, how does someone like yourself get into the business of nude modeling?" she asked conversationally.

My mouth dropped open and I tried kicking Rose's shin hard under the table. My big toe connected with the table leg instead and it hurt like a bitch. I bit down on my lip in pain.

Edward smiled kindly at Rosalie and placed his fork down. "Actually, I sort of stumbled into it. It seemed like an interesting opportunity so I thought I'd give it a try."

"Oh, so you have a day job too?" Rose replied.

Edward chuckled. "I usually work nights, but yes. I work for a company called Maryland Men Mingle. It's a dating escort service."

I felt like pausing reality so I could strangle Edward with my bare hands. Why couldn't he just pretend to have an office job? Or didn't it occur to him to just lie and say, yes, he was a nude model for local artists and college art classes? Why did he have to be so damn honest? With our kind of secret, the truth was dangerous.

Rosalie practically choked on a piece of Alice's skirt steak. "You're an escort? Is that how you met Bella?"

"No!" I shouted a little too loud.

Edward looked into my eyes as if to communicate something to me, but I had no idea what it was. He turned his attention back to Rosalie. "My company has a strict 'no sex' policy. I'm just a companion to lonely women. We provide dates to weddings and office functions. Anything you can think of really, where a woman might want a handsome piece of arm candy for the evening. And no, I didn't meet Bella through my job. She put an ad on Craigslist for a model and I answered her ad."

Okay, so he was a decent liar. But Jacob still looked pissed. "Bella, you put an ad online for a naked man? Were you trying to get raped or killed?"

"Excuse me," I retorted indignantly. "I brought you to the first meeting, didn't I? I took precautions. Edward is a great guy and he's a fabulous model. His abs alone will get my painting sold at the gallery."

Rosalie giggled. "I'm already thinking of buying it!"

Edward laughed too, not looking the slightest bit embarrassed. I could sense the tension at the table die down a little and Jacob even went back to eating. Edward looked at me, pleased by how things were going. I wish I could be as easygoing as him. My nerves were shot and it didn't help that those fabulous abs of his were still wrapped in bondage ropes. Thank God Rose didn't ask him to show them to her! I could envision her asking him to such a thing if she'd had a few drinks in her system. It made me decide against opening that bottle of wine.

We continued with our dinner, and Edward told Rose and Jacob more about his life. He talked about living with his sister and how he was helping her get through college. I learned more about Edward over the next hour than I had in the past several weeks that we'd been seeing one another. I couldn't picture Edward painting his face for a Ravens football game, but apparently he did as a teenager with his father and uncle. It seemed strange to me that Edward was interested in American history and had visited dozens of Civil War battlefields over the past few years. And it was completely shocking to learn that Edward had once been engaged to his high school girlfriend.

It's not like I knew nothing about him; he'd opened up a few times and told me about the unexpected passing of his parents. He told me how his college aspirations had to be set aside in order to provide for Alice, but I knew little else about him as a person. It disturbed me to think that he was this complicated, interesting man, who I had deduced to little more than my sexual plaything.

In contrast, Edward surprisingly seemed to think the world of me. "I'm in awe of her," he gushed unnecessarily. "Bella's strength and perseverance the last few weeks have been inspiring. When I first met her it was clear how much pain she was in, but since then she's picked herself up and made the decision to move forward with her life."

"Bella told you about breaking up with Jasper?" Rose asked.

"Guys, I'm right here," I interrupted. "And yes, Ro, I did talk to Edward some about how I was feeling. He doesn't know Jasper and it was nice to have an impartial opinion."

"I just wish you'd admit to me what really happened," Rosalie sighed.

"You know everything already," I professed. White lie. "I changed. There's nothing that Jasper did wrong." That part was completely true. "I hope that you both can accept that and then maybe soon Jasper will be able to move on."

Rosalie smirked a little and said, "Well, now that you mention it, I've been meaning to tell you that he sort of met someone the other day, and he looked almost happy when I saw him yesterday."

"Really?" I replied in surprise. "That's great. He deserves it."

Jacob and Rosalie looked at me quizzically. Oh, these two! When had they lost all faith in me? Maybe it was right after I decided to ruin a seemingly perfect relationship with a man everyone thought I would marry.

Edward stood up from the table and began clearing plates. I wondered if his mother raised him to be such a courteous and respectful dinner guest, or if he was trying to escape the current conversation. Watching him struggle to reach across the table to get a dinner plate reminded me of the ropes that restricted his movements under his clothes. Perhaps Edward wasn't just playing host because he had good manners. Could he be clearing the table because he felt like that was the proper thing for a submissive to do? I assumed our scene had ended prematurely when Rose and Jacob showed up outside my door, but it seemed that in Edward mind, the scene never ended. That would explain why he didn't want to remove the ropes before we sat down to eat.

It was kind of a turn on to think Edward wanted to cook and clean up just to please me, like he was my pet. I felt tingly in my panties and couldn't wait to finally be rid of our dinner guests so we could talk more. Would Edward want to have sex again before he went home for the night? I sincerely hoped he did. I could hardly send the man home with blue balls; that wouldn't be right. And I wanted to explore this side of his submissive personality a little more. It was something that I never expected myself to want to participate in; I'd told him that much before. But watching him as he rinsed dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher made me curious of what it would feel like to watch him perform other tasks.

Rosalie noticed Edward playing housewife too and leaned over to whisper in my ear. "I don't know where you found this gorgeous man, Bella, but I think he's a keeper."

We both stared at Edward's ass when he bet over to load the dishwasher. "What about your brother's broken heart?" I replied sarcastically.

"Like I said, he's doing better. I realize that sometime you're going to start dating again."

I wanted to tell her no, that finding someone who liked what I liked in the bedroom seemed like an impossibility. But maybe Edward's encouragement was starting to make me believe it could be possible after all.

"You do like Edward, don't you?" Rose whispered.

"I don't know. It's too soon isn't it? We just met and I still feel like I need time to figure out what I want."

Rosalie shrugged. "Fine, but if you don't snatch him up, would you mind giving me his number?"

"Yes, I would mind that!" I hissed under my breath.

Rosalie chuckled. "Protective much? I knew you liked him. And that's okay, Bella. I love my brother, but I love you too. I want you to be happy too."

I glanced over at Edward again. He was wrapping up the leftovers and placing the containers in the refrigerator. I wanted to order him to take off that t-shirt and jeans and meet me in the bathroom so I could test out how good a pet he could really be. My thighs squeezed together involuntarily.

"Would you and Jacob mind if I called you both tomorrow? I want to spend a little time alone with Edward before he has to go home," I said.

"That can be arranged," Rose replied conspiratorially. "I'm just going to go thank him for the meal and then I'll announce my exit."

"Thank you," I mouthed.

After Rose stood up and went into the kitchen, I looked over at Jacob. His hand rested over his belly and he looked satisfied. "Good dinner?" I asked smiling.

"Yeah, I'm glad I showed up here unannounced. Your naked man is a good cook."

I stuck my tongue out at him as any sister in that situation would do. "Are you still worried about me, Jake? Because you don't need to be. I'm actually starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel."

Jacob sighed and I could sense he was thinking of the best way to phrase whatever he wanted to say. "I can see that you're moving on and I guess that's a good thing, but I just don't understand why you're still lying to us."

"Lying about what? What are you talking about?"

Jake glanced over at the easel where Man in Chair was displayed. "You told us that you were painting Edward when Rose and I showed up here, but that wasn't the truth. Your art supplies weren't being used and the portrait wasn't wet when you took it out to show us. So I know you weren't painting. And I don't get why Edward said he was naked if you weren't painting him, so I have to assume it was because you two really were fucking back there in your room."

"Jacob..." I said slowly. I had no idea what I was going to say next.

He held up a hand to stop me. "It's none of my business. You just never used to lie to me, Bella. When our parents were together and you and I had to deal with all of their shit every day, the one thing I could count on was you. We've never lied to each other. But there's something you're not telling me and I hate it."

I reached out for his hand on the table and covered it with mine. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like things are weird between us, but I promise you that I'm going to be okay. Edward really is posing for me, as you could see from the portrait. Our relationship is a little more than strictly business, but I didn't tell you that because it's not the type of this a girl tells her brother, you know?"

"I get it, I guess. As long as you're not having issues with depression over Jasper, I guess I can handle you boffing the nude model," he replied and made a face like he was grossed out at the thought.

I chuckled at the face he made. "I know I have her DNA, but I'm not Renee. And I've had a lifetime of watching her highs and lows to recognize the signs of depression. I promise you that if I ever feel like that I will come to you for help. Deal?"

"Deal, sis," Jacob leaned forward to kiss my cheek. "So, you really want us out of here, don't you?" he grinned.

"Hell, yes I do!" I whispered.

Jacob stood up just as Rose was coming out of the kitchen with Edward following behind. To my friends' credit, they didn't make their departure too sudden or obvious. Rose spoke briefly about needing to get home and Jacob agreed that it was time to go. Edward thanked them for joining us and said he was pleased to get to know the people closest to me. I was relieved when we finally said goodbye and I shut my front door. Edward and I were alone again.

I smiled to myself as I slid the deadbolt into place; hoping Edward wasn't going to suggest he take off too. When I turned around I saw Edward, kneeling on the floor and sitting on his bare feet. His head was down and eyes were closed. He looked to be so peaceful, but I suspected he was roiling with emotion under the surface. In his mind, we'd been engaged in a scene of master and pet for hours. He must have been in serious need of relief, and not just of the ropes. I was determined to give him exactly what he needed.

"Edward, go to the bathroom and run the hot water in the tub. Take off your clothes and wait for me there, in the same position you're in now," I commanded.

"Yes, Mistress," he whispered. I watched as Edward stood up and avoided eye contact as he walked into the bathroom.

I stood where I was until I heard the water running. My heart beat faster as I organized my plan in my head. My body knew what it wanted and I hoped I'd have the courage to see it through. A few deep breaths and then I forced my feet forward towards the bathroom door. Finding Edward there, naked but for the black ropes, made me feel a pride and admiration I'd never known before. I was confident in myself and in him. Edward and I had performed enough scenes together that I felt like I knew what to expect. I knew Edward felt the same towards me, and that's why I wanted to knock him on his ass and surprise the hell out of him. I needed Edward, and that meant I needed to be the mistress he desired most. I wanted to be the one who treated him best and fucked him the best.

"I'm going to untie you now, pet," I said, trying the name out for the first time. I had to admit I liked saying it. As I began to loosen the knot around Edward's neck, I saw pink lines marking his skin everywhere the rope had been. "You were a naughty boy, refusing to take these off. Now, you'll be bearing the marks they left on your skin. Probably for the rest of the night."

Edward moaned in contentment as my fingers lightly traced the rope marks around his hip. "Stand up," I ordered calmly.

As he did, the loosened ropes fell to the tile floor and he was freed. I stood in front of him, my eyes level with his collar bone. I closed them and leaned forward to kiss some of the pink rope lines across his chest. Edward's hands tightened into fists at his sides and I thought he was probably trying to resist the urge to touch me. He knew one of my most important rules was not to touch me without permission.

"Get into the bathtub, pet. You need to get cleaned up."

Edward followed my instructions and stepped into the tub as the water continued to run out of the faucet. The water was hot and he winced as his ass was submerged. I let it continue to run until the tub was halfway full. The tip of Edward's erect cock was just barely poking out above the surface. He leaned back against the wall and looked at me expectantly.

I smirked, my eyes never leaving his, as I removed my pants and shirt. Wearing only my bra and panties, I knelt by the edge of the tub with a washcloth in my hand. With great care, I gently lathered up the soap and washed his body from head to toe. I couldn't get over how beautiful his body was. As I washed each part of him, I committed every muscle, every soft bronze hair to memory. Edward closed his eyes when my hand reached his cock. Forgoing the washcloth, I used skin to skin contact to wash him up and down, cupping his balls and eliciting a sharp hiss from his lips when I gently squeezed them.

By the time I finished, Edward looked thoroughly relaxed. "It's your turn to wash me, pet," I whispered.

His eyes opened and he gave me a sleepy smile. I smiled back and then turned around to rest my head on the edge of the bathtub. "Wash my hair," I instructed. Edward sat up and took a cup from the tub ledge to use to wet my hair. The water was still warm, and it felt good as his fingers threaded through my hair until it was completely wet. He used the shampoo first; massaging my scalp like a hairdresser would do; only this was better than any salon I'd ever been to.

My body was responding to his touch in obvious ways, like tight nipples underneath the thin laced bra I wore, and not so obvious ways like the fire building in my belly. Edward never said a word, spreading the suds over my head like there was nothing to it. As he worked, I arched my back and reached behind to unhook my bra. I flung it away with force, and moaned as my breasts felt the freedom of the moist air in the bathroom. The longer Edward massaged my head, the closer to orgasm I thought I was coming. When he drizzled the conditioner over my head, I felt like I was ready to explode. I palmed one breast in my hand and pinched the nipple firmly. My other hand slid into my panties and began making circles over the swollen nub. I rubbed myself and moaned, closing in on a very explosive orgasm.

Finally, Edward had seen all he could tolerate without participating. As soon as the conditioner was rinsed from my hair, he groaned as if in pain. "Please let me touch you," he begged.

I removed my hand from my right breast and reached behind me to cup the back of Edward's neck. "Hands, tits," I breathed as my hand pulled him closer. I felt Edward's palms grab my breasts roughly and his tongue lick the side of my neck. I held onto the back of his head, fingers fisted in his hair, as my orgasm approached. He kissed my neck and cheek, moaning with ragged breath. His fingers pinched my nipples and that threw me over the edge. I convulsed on the bathroom floor and screamed as a powerful orgasm rocked through my body.

His grip on my tits relaxed, but he continued kissing and licking my neck and ear like a horny teenager. Edward slipped his hands under my armpits as if he were about to pull me over the edge of the tub. I wanted to protest, but my limbs still felt like jelly and I hardly cared what he was doing behind me.

"I want to fuck you now, Mistress. Please, I need to."

I nodded in agreement and grabbed his forearms so he could pull me into the tub. Water sloshed all around us as I settled back against the wall of the tub and Edward knelt over me. There wasn't room for both of us to lie down, but I could see in Edward's face that he wasn't interested in bathing at the moment.

"May I?" he asked running his index finger over my panties.

"Yes, pet. Rip them off me," I replied, already sounding like a well-fucked whore.

Edward did as he was told, tearing the lacy fabric with ease. "I want to go fast," he warned.

As he spoke, I realized this would be the first time I ever let Edward actually fuck me. The man on top, him controlling the speed, kind of fucking. It frightened me a little, but he was still acting one hundred percent in character, and I was very curious to feel what a good hard fuck would be like. As I've explained before, Jasper only made love. I was well overdue for a good hammering.

"Show me what you got, Edward. Fuck the air out of my lungs," I responded as he was spreading my legs and lifting my hips out of the water.

The moment his cock entered me, I gasped in surprise. He went so deep, so fast, I swear I saw stars. He groaned and muttered under his breath in a way I'd never seen before. He was like a primal animal, taking what was his. He pounded into me as hard as he could; causing water to splash onto the floor but neither of us cared. All I could focus on was the tightening of his chest muscles as he held my hips against his, and the twisted expression on his face as he tried to stave off his orgasm as long as possible. I could tell that he wasn't going to last long; not after the several hours of build up that had led to this moment.

"I'm about to come, Mistress," he growled, so close to losing control.

I'd never been fucked so hard in my life and it brought new sensation to my body that I'd never experienced before. I felt a second orgasm building quickly and wanted it to coincide with Edward's eruption. "Wait for me, pet," I ordered sternly. I grabbed my slippery wet breasts in my hands and flicked my nipples as Edward grunted and whimpered. "Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me," I panted.

Just as he was about to cry out, my orgasm hit like a freight train and I knew he could feel my walls clenching around his cock. Edward threw his head back and moaned as we came together in my bathtub, water everywhere, and not a stitch of clothing on either of us. Even Edward's eyes were uncovered, watching me come as I knew he'd been desperately wanting to for weeks. And I was glad. Glad that I'd overcome that fear of letting him truly see me. And with that, I knew he could finally see the joy and ecstasy that he was bringing to my life.

Edward fell limp against me and we both laughed from the pain as our bodies were crushed together in the tight space. And then he said something that was more shocking to me than anything we'd done together that day.

"You own me, Isabella Swan. I give my whole fucking body to you," he panted, still out of breath from giving me the hardest, most intense fuck of my life.


A/N: I plan to keep writing chapters for Devious Minds so look for new chapters in the weeks to come. Thanks for reading!

Shameless plug time. I wrote a novel and published it on Amazon. If you love me, please go check it out. The title is "Love in the Heartland" and once upon a time it was an Edward/Bella fanfic called Letter from the Heartland, which is still available on fan fiction but please note I will be taking it down June 1st.