A/N:
Sorry about the lack of Edward/Bella interaction! It's coming, I promise. I always get antsy! Anyways, I hope you guys liked the first chapter. I'm kind of bored to pieces with my life until school starts so I think I have like next 5 chapters written already? Crazy right?
Next chapter will be more about Edward/Bella.
Also, no matter what you're reading, this story is EDWARD/BELLA. Maybe with some bumps along the way :)
"Hey Rose" I smiled. I hadn't heard from Rose ever since she decided to date mystery man last month.
"Hey Bella" She said softly. So un-Rose like. Something was wrong. She sounded so sad and desolate.
I set my current manuscript down and turned my full attention to her "How are you?" I asked, hoping I wouldn't have to beat it out of her. I was horrible at that.
"Broke up with Royce" She said quietly. Oh thank god. "I'm sorry I've been such a horrible friend, Bella" she whispered and I could hear tears in her voice
"No" I placated "Rose...no you haven't been a terrible friend at all. Come over tonight, please? We'll order pizza...get drunk. Like old times." I tried
"Are you sure you're not busy?" she asked
I scoffed "No Rose" I laughed "I'm never too busy for my best friend. Come on. You know you're always welcome. And you can tell me all about the idiot that let you get away."
"Okay" she agreed "I'll be there around 7?"
"Sounds perfect"
"Thank you Bella. I've missed you" she sniffed
"I've missed you too, Rose. I'll see you at 7."
Again. my phone was fucking ringing AGAIN. Could I ever get through this drab manuscript?
"Isabella Swan" I answered without looking at the caller ID.
"Miss Swan, this is Heidi calling from EDGES, we met last week" She greeted
"Oh! Yes, Heidi, how are you?"
"I'm well Miss Swan, thank you" She said politely "I'm calling to inform you that your background check came back without a glitch, and so did your drug test. We would like you to come back in whenever is convenient for you and speak to one of our coordinators who can give you a tour of the club, and maybe a rundown of how things work?"
"Please call me Bella, Heidi" I said "And that sounds wonderful. How long will all of this take?"
"Shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours"
"Is there an opening on thursday? I'm free all day" I said
"We can do thursday at 12, if that's okay with you"
"Thats perfect. Thank you very much" I said with a small smile. I hope it's Edward...he's the owner you idiot...there's no way he does tours
"Rose I've missed you so much!" I grinned and drew her in for a hug
She laughed softly and nodded "You too, Bella. I come bearing gifts" she grinned, holding up a bottle of tequila.
I groaned and moved to the side to let her in "You're trying to kill me."
"It's post-break up cure. I can't help it." she shrugged, setting her things down.
"I ordered the pizza about 5 minutes ago so it should be here in a little bit" i said, taking a seat next to her on the couch "Tell me what happened."
Rose rolled her eyes and opened the bottle of tequila before taking a long swig "Such an asshole." she muttered "It's one thing to have a wandering eye, another to have a wandering dick."
"Oh god!" I groaned in disgust "How many."
"3" she spat in annoyance "How sick is that. oh you haven't even heard the worst of it. 3 Bella...at the same time."
WHAT! Oh hell no. "you're kidding!"
"On more than one occasion too apparently" She sighed "Now I'm just angry. I don't deserve that. Nobody deserves that."
"You're better off without him, Rose." I shook my head, taking the bottle from her and taking a small swig, wincing as the alcohol burned down my throat "What a douchebag."
"I know! And then he had the gall to tell me that I was overreacting. Can you believe that?"
"When did you find out?"
"When we were in New York of all places. He's probably still there. I took the first flight back. Couldn't stand to be in that city anymore." Rose shook her head
"What's his name. I'll call Charlie" I grinned "he has to have something on the fucker."
"Oh my god! Charlie! How's my man" she grinned. Charlie and Rose loved each other. We had been friends since 2nd grade, and my dad and Rose immediately got along. Charlie was like the father Rose never had.
Ah. Like old times...I've missed my best friend.
"Hey Heidi" I smiled "I'm here for my appointment"
"Bella" She greeted "hold on one sec." she said before clicking a button on her headset "Hey Zafrina, your 12 o' clock is here. Take a seat Bella, Zafrina will be with you in a few minutes"
A tall, dark, gorgeous woman clad in professional business attire walked up to her a few minutes later "Bella?" She asked with a smile
I nodded and stood up to shake her head "Hi Bella, I'm Zafrina. I'll be showing you around and explaining our basic rules today. Please step into my office" she said, leading the way.
I walked across the great room and into Zafrina's office before taking a seat. "How are you today, Bella"
"I'm well. and yourself?"
"Just got back from vacation" she grinned "Can you tell? I think I'm about 10 shades darker" She laughed
"You look wonderful" I nodded sincerely "where did you go?"
"I was actually on my honeymoon. My husband and I did South America."
"oh wow" I smiled "Congratulations!"
"Thank you." she laughed "So I see Edward was the one who approved you. Was your experience with him pleasant?"
"He was great." I nodded " very helpful."
"Good, I'm glad. So I'll be explaining some things to you about our lifestyle...and just some general ideas on how we operate here. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, just let me know, okay? I know it can be a bit overwhelming."
"Okay" I nodded with a deep breath
"I'll just start by telling you a bit about myself. My name is Zafrina Status, I grew up in Los Angeles but my parents are originally from Brazil. I probably entered this lifestyle about...oh gosh, how long has it been...i'd say 9 years ago? I joined a club down south and had very good experiences. I'm currently a physicians assistant my husband does contracting work. We moved here around 4 years ago, and me and my husband both applied to become members here" She smiled, completely open about herself. Not even a flinch. "I have to say Bella, this is one of the safest, well-known, and respected clubs in the country. You have nothing to be afraid of."
"So, we have a lot of mixers, gatherings, parties, lunches...just events that allow all the new members to mingle and meet. It's crucial that you attend at least 1 each month. It can be terrifying" she said understandingly "I know, trust me. But you'll never truly be fulfilled or introduced into this lifestyle if you don't find someone to share it with. These events are completely normal, they're safe...and they're just like any other party or event you would go to. Now i'm not sure how much research you've done, but I'm sure you know that this is not something you can just jump into. Trust, Communication, and Honesty are all key."
"I've read a few things" I nodded
"Excellent. So we'll go ahead and give you some reading material, and in about a month, you'll need to do a test scene." she said
"Test scene?" I asked, mouth suddenly dry
"Yes. You've had absolutely no experiences before, am I correct?" she asked "Well, while we do indulge ourselves in fantasies, BDSM truly is an alternate lifestyle. The test scene is both beneficial to us and to you. It allows us to really see where you are, and it allows you to test it out. See if this is truly something you want to dabble in. Just because you're a member, doesn't mean you don't have an out. We have many people who really believe that this is their calling, and once they're put in the situation head first, they realize that this isn't what they're looking for." she explained
That made sense. Complete sense. How did I know I want this if I've never tried it?
"Now that being said, no one here will ever force you to do anything you don't want to do. That's rule number one. Your hard limits will always be respected. Rule number two, if and when you do find a parter you'd like to become exclusive with, always sign a contract. It's actually one of our laws. If your partner is a member here, you both can come in and we'll draw one up for you based on your stipulations, and if they're not a member, I strongly suggest you have them apply." she said seriously "There are a lot of critics out there, and a lot of people who don't abide by the rules of our community. That's when our lifestyle can be extremely dangerous. You never want to be in that situation."
Jesus Christ. What the hell have I gotten myself into?
"I can see by the look on your face that I've instilled at least a little bit of fear in you" she smirked playfully "Don't be scared Bella. You're safe here. Edward prides himself immensely on keeping this club completely safe, sane and consensual. Now, back to the test scene, it will be administered by one of our 5 heads. People who have been in this community for an extended period of time. People you can no doubt trust. And don't worry, you'll meet all of them several times. If you have a particular head you would like to scene with, you may request them personally, however they must comply."
"Now during a test scene there is no penetration, or sex." she said seriously "Understood?"
I nodded, completely dumbfounded by what I was hearing. Test scene? contracts?
Zafrina showed me around the club after our talk. It was enormous. The club was equipped with a sauna, spa, and several private rooms people could rent out for play parties and/or for anything else they desired. The upper level was a large ballroom, consisting of floor to ceiling chandeliers. The 3rd floor held smaller entertaining rooms and offices and the 4th floor was Edwards office. jesus...an entire floor.
As we were stepping into the elevator, a tall, dark, fairly attractive man entered in next to us, "Zafrina" he greeted with a smile.
"Marcus" she smiled back "how are you?"
"Ah just grabbing some stuff from my locker." he said before his eyes turned to me.
He had striking blue eyes, and just the right amount of scruff, he was definitely attractive. Not as attractive as Edward though...GAH! I needed to stop thinking about him.
"Marcus, this is Bella. She's new to the club" Zafrina introduced "Bella, this is Marcus. He's a regular here, for about...how long as it been?"
"Oh about 5 years now" he smiled, offering his hand to me "Nice to meet you, Bella"
I smiled back and shook his head "You too" i murmured shyly just as the elevator rang
"gotta run, late for work. I hope to see you around, Bella."
Well that was certainly interesting. And totally unexpected. I grabbed my mail from the box and read through the letters. Ugh Bills. Bills. More bills. Wonder-AH!
"Shit!" I groaned, clutching my arm in pain. Only I would trip and fall over a side table that's been in my apartment for over a year. I took a deep breath, trying to breathe through the searing pain and looked down at my bloody arm.
Shit. Glass. Lodged in the wound. I needed to go to the fucking hospital now. I fished my cell phone out of my pocket and dialed Rose, hoping she was free. I really didn't need to explain logistics to another cab driver.
"Rose?" I said when she picked up after the 3rd ring
"Hey Bella, what's up?"
"Can you come pick me up? I need to go to the ER" i cringed at the words coming out of my mouth
"I'm going to go ahead and assume you're alright" She said in mild amusement "Trip and fall again honey?" she laughed
"Rose. Just get here please. You know how much I hate blood."
"Coming coming" She muttered before hanging up
"Well this is unexpected" An achingly familiar voice said in amusement
My head snapped up and I outwardly gasped as Edward Cullen strode into the room. Stark white coat, stethoscope hanging effortlessly around his neck and all.
Kill. Me. Now.
"Edward" I sputtered in shock, watching as he looked over my file. Jeez. What is it with him looking over my files that makes me so-
"What happened, Bella?" he asked in concern, snapping on a pair of gloves
Just as I was about to respond, Rose cleared her throat and I groaned. Shit. "Edward...this is Rose, my best friend. Rose...Edward" I offered lamely. What else was I supposed to say? Oh hey Rose, this is Edward Cullen. He owns the most successful BDSM club on the west coast...and I know this because I'm a member there?
No.
"Hi Edward" She smiled "How do you know Bella?"
Edward looked at me with a small smirk as he compiled some items on a tray. I pleaded with my eyes and shook my head slightly. Please god. Don't-
"Well Rose, your friend here is quite clumsy from what I can tell" he grinned "spilled her coffee all over me a couple weeks ago."
"Yeah" I spat out with a mild glare "Sorry about that." Damn. i sounded snippy. But did he have to work my clumsiness into it? He probably figured that out from my file, listing my frequent ER visits.
Rose laughed and nodded "yeah that sounds like Bella."
Edward grinned knowingly at me and gently took my injured arm, letting it on the table he had prepared "So how did this happen?"
"My clumsiness got the better of me again." I sighed "Walked into my side table."
"Well" he said, gently feeling around "Nothings broken or perforated. You'll need some stitches, but you'll be just fine."
"Wonderful. More stitches. Absorbable please." I rolled my eyes at myself.
He took an alcohol wipe and began gently cleaning the outside area "I think that can be arranged" he smiled before grabbing the syringe of lidocaine. "Small pinch" he said, pressing the needle to several parts of my arm to numb the area
"I'm going to get coffee. Want anything, Bella?" Rose asked.
I shook my head reluctantly. Great. Now I was alone with him.
"So...I spilled my coffee on you?" I asked, trying to break the silence
"Was fucking hot too." he grinned
"Well. I'd say I'm sorry but I think it'd be a little late" I smiled, groaning when I saw the needle for the stitches.
"Why the groan, Bella?" he asked with a knowing smile while pulling the lodged glass free from my skin
"Hate needles." I muttered "And blood for that matter. So you can see how much I love hospitals."
"So don't look! I can't have you passing out on me" he teased
"So...what are you doing in an ER rotation, Edward. Doesn't seem like it'd be your job..." i said
"Short staffed" he shrugged "We have a pretty high profile surgery going on in Neuro, all the interns are going crazy." he rolled his eyes "Completely unfocused and useless here."
"Can you flex your hand for me?" He said, watching as I made my hand into a fist "Doesn't hurt?"
I shook my head "No"
"No pulling sensation?"
"Nope. I swear Edward, I'm fine." i sighed
"I didn't know you had a medical degree!" He exclaimed
"Shut up."
"There." he said, setting a piece of gauze over the wound and taping it "No more running into things, Bella. I really don't want to see you back here."
"Wow. Thanks. You're too kind" I said sarcastically
"I'd rather see you somewhere else" he winked and I think my heart just stopped. Shit he was sexy.
"Just need you to sign this, and take the paperwork back to reception" he said, handing me a clipboard "I really do hope to see you this weekend. Take it easy, okay?"
I nodded dumbly "Thanks, Edward" i said softly just as he exited the room
Well...I guess I do have plans this weekend after all. SHIT. nothing to wear.
"Rose!" I called out as I opened the door "We need to go shopping"
"You know it would really help if I knew the occasion, Bella!" Rose groaned in frustration as I dragged her into yet another store
"It's just an authors luncheon, Rose. I don't know much more than that. I need to make an appearance" I sighed.
"Well then I think yellow is the way to go. Is it outdoors?" she asked
"Yeah, outdoors definitely."
"Try this on" she sighed, handing me a long yellow maxi dress "Let me find a few others. You'll need new sandals too."
Finally, after about 30 dresses, i decided on a simple yellow silk tube maxi dress. Adorned with some simple brown flat sandals.
"Zafrina? Hi, it's Bella" I rambled nervously into the phone
"Oh Hi Bella, How are you?" she asked
"I'm good. Listen...I was thinking about going to the mixer this weekend...and well I just wanted to know if you were going as well?"
"Yes i'll be attending, would you like to go together?" She asked
I breathed out the longest sigh of relief "That would be wonderful."
"Great, i'll call you on saturday morning for details. I'm glad you're coming Bella!" She said sincerely
"Bella! You look wonderful!" Zafrina smiled as I got out of my car
"Thanks" I smiled back. She really was very likeable. Always so happy. "You look great too!" I said, motioning to her emerald green maxi dress.
She rolled her eyes and took my arm "Green. Chris's favorite color on me. Lord knows why. Anyways, I can tell you're nervous" she said as we walked into the club "Don't be. Seriously, eat some food, mingle a little. It'll be fun."
We walked through the club and through two glass doors that led to a middle courtyard. It had been decorated with hundreds of flowers, buffet tables lined the sides and round dining tables sat in the middle. A good amount of people had already arrived. It all looked so...nice. Normal. Inviting.
"Oh, there's Chris! Come, let me introduce you"
"What, no time to greet your wife, Chris? Am I old news already?" She rose an eyebrow when he didn't notice our presence.
"Mmm" he hummed, turning around and planting a short kiss on her lips "Never baby."
"Chris, this is Bella. Bella, meet my husband, Chris" She smiled
I took his offered hand and smiled "Nice to meet you"
Chris was tall, and standing next to Zafrina, very light skinned. He had piercing blue eyes and a broad build. Definitely attractive.
"Ah so you're Bella." he smiled
"Oh no" I groaned "That doesn't sound good"
He laughed and shook his head "All good things, I promise. Pleasure meeting you, Bella. Zaf, I have to get back to work in a bit. You'll be home by 7?" he asked
"Count on it" She grinned, leaning up and kissing him gently "Bye baby"
"Sorry" she apoligized with a sheepish smile "Newlyweds. can't help it"
"No" i waved off "You guys are so cute together."
"Ah shit. I'll be right back. Kate's here. Will you be okay for a few minutes?" she asked
I nodded. Of course I would be okay for a few minutes...right?
"Hey Bella"
I jumped slightly and turned towards the voice, smiling when I saw it was Edward "Hey Edward"
Edward smiled, kissing my cheek. Oh my god. I was sure my cheeks were burning bright red "Enjoying your afternoon?"
I nodded "It's beautiful"
"Not what you expected?" he chuckled
"Not at all."
"What were you expecting. Whips, chains, and a leather stage?" he teased
"Well..."
He threw his head back and laughed loudly "Give me some credit Bella, you of all people should know my discretion" his green eyes sparkled at me
"Are you going to tease me about that every time we meet?" I shot back
"Until I can find something else on you, yeah" he nodded with a smile
"Wonderful."
"Edward!" We both turned towards the voice. The man from the elevator! Dammit, what was his name?
"Marcus." Edward said shortly. Ah yes...Marcus "How are you?"
Huh. What has his panties in a bunch.
"All is good, Edward. And yourself?" he asked before his eyes flitted over to me.
"I'm fine. Marcus. This is Bella, she's new." Edward said "Bella, this is Marcus."
"We've met" he smiled, offering me his hand "How are you, Bella?"
"Good" I said with a small smile. He really was very handsome...nothing compared to Edward.
And as the weeks passed, I found myself going to more and more events. I made friends. Zafrina, Heidi, Edward, Marcus, Chris...the parties became fun. I actually looked forward to going. Which is why I needed to move forward.
"Hey Edward" I mumbled into the phone
"Hey Bella, what's up?"
"Are you free tomorrow? I really need someone to talk to...and Zafrina's with Chris...I really don't want to bother them."
"Mmm yeah I can swing lunch if you're free then. It'll have to be at the hospital, sorry" he apologized
"Oh no, that's fine. What time?" I asked immediately. I needed to get this over with. Before my nerves got the best of me. Come on Bella...you've been dabbling for the past 2 months. It's time.
"1:30 sound good?"
"yeah that sounds great."
"Okay, just tell reception to page me when you're here." he said
"Thanks Edward"
"Bella?" he stopped me from hanging up "Are you okay?"
"What? Oh yeah I'm fine. Just...-we'll talk tomorrow, okay?" I stumbled over my words. This really wasn't a phone conversation
"Okay." he said hesitantly "See you tomorrow"
"Hey" I started awkwardly when he greeted me in the lobby "I brought lunch?" I smiled, holding up the bag
"Oh you didn't have to do that" he admonished "We could have grabbed something in the cafe- okay fine. Thanks" he laughed while leading me into his office
I took out the sandwiches and chips, laying them out on his desk and handed him a soda. "I had no idea what you like on a sandwich...so I'm sorry if you hate it"
"I'll eat pretty much anything if its between bread" he said "Thank you."
We fell into an awkward silence while starting on our lunches. I needed to talk. He probably thought I was an idiot.
"Bella" he started "You wanted to talk?"
"Uhm yeah" I took a deep breath. You can do this. You can do this. "I just-It's been over 2 months. I feel like I need to do my test scene. I mean I know I do. But I don't really know how to proceed...i mean i guess i do. But I'm nervous. Like really nervous Edward. You have no idea what it's taken for me to just say this to you right now. God I feel like a mess" I rambled on and on "I also probably sound like an idiot-ug-"
"Bella!" Edward stopped my tirade in amusement "Can you please calm down."
I took a deep breath and nodded "Sorry" I murmured
"Look. Everything you're feeling right now, Bella, it's completely normal okay? I know it's terrifying. It should be terrifying. You're essentially placing your trust in someone elses hands. All I can say is, don't rush it. You don't need to put a timer on anything. You need to find someone you trust. Trust is key. Someone you're comfortable with." he said "And while me saying this won't do anything to calm your nerves, i'll say it anyways; you don't need to be scared. You have all the control here. This is your life." he said sincerely "No one is ever going to force you into anything"
"I know that" I nodded "But Edward, I'm the type of person that will just sit on the back burner and let it be. Even if I really want something, I feel like I'm just not driven enough to get it. So I'm trying to push myself...if you get what I'm saying. I need to do this, or...it'll just become a distant possibility." I said softly
"I don't think that's true, Bella" he cocked his head to the side "After all...you're here talking to me, aren't you? This was a big step. And I know you well enough to know that you sure as hell didn't want to do this. You didn't have to do this...you could have gone on...feeling unfulfilled...longing for more. But instead you took your life into your own hands. Because you understand that no one else is going to do it for you." he said "Something that very few people ever grasp in their lives."
True. So true. Well when he said it like that it made complete sense.
"You don't see yourself clearly at all, do you?" he smiled sadly "You're a strong woman Bella. You need to believe that."
"I know I know" I sighed. I knew I had self-esteem issues.
"That being said. Take some time, think about who and when you'd like to scene with. And just ask them. We're all in this lifestyle together, Bella. We're all here to learn from one another. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or ask for help."
And oddly. I felt better. What one conversatoin with Edward Cullen could do...
"Thanks Edward." I said sincerely "This has been a big help. Seriously. I feel much better."
"No problem" he smiled "By the way. this sandwich, is amazing. Where'd you get it"
"The deli across the street." I laughed "You've never been there?"
"I don't leave the grounds much." he shrugged "Cafeteria food suffices"
"That's just wrong" I could feel my grimace at the mention of hospital food
"It's only a couple days a week" he rolled his eyes
The next two weeks flew by in a millisecond. I was swamped with work. At least 10 manuscripts were sitting on my desk, and out of the 10, i'd be luck if one actually could keep my attention for more than 3 minutes.
I sighed, putting the finishing touches on my eyes as I got ready for the party tonight. I wasn't planning on going, with all the work I had but fuck it. I needed to get away from all this bland writing.
"Edward" I took a deep breath as he turned to face me.
"Hey sweetheart" he grinned, kissing my cheek. "I didn't think you were coming tonight"
"Can we talk?" I asked, looking around the crowded room "Alone?"
Hey eyed me in concern before nodding "Of course. Let's step into my office."
"Are you okay, Bella?" he asked, clicking the door shut
"Edward I-" I closed my eyes, gaining my resolve before opening them again "I would like to scene." I rushed out
"Okay..." he said carefully, eyeing me with care "A test scene. Anyone in particular?"
"You" I said softly, "I thought about what you said. And I trust you the most. I've known you the longest...you introduced-ugh!" I groaned in frustration "I'm rambling, sorry"
He grinned in amusement and it looked like he was trying to suppress his laughter "Calm down, Bella"
His hands rested gently on top of my shoulders "Are you asking me to do your test scene?"
"Yes" I said. Trying to sound confident
"Then yes. I will."
My shoulders slumped down as the tension left my body in relief "Just a little nervous?" he murmured with a sly smile
"Thanks Edward. Sorry for pulling you away."
"No problem" He waived before walking over to his desk and grabbing a stack of papers from a drawer "We'll scene on saturday?" he said, looking to me for confirmation "Friday we'll sit down and discuss any questions or concerns you might have. In the mean time, read these thoroughly"
"Okay" I said, taking the stack from him
"I need to get back" he said, but before he left, I felt his hot breath against my ear. "Oh and Isabella?" he murmured "I'm looking forward to it"
And then he was gone.
Fuck. Today was tuesday.
A/N: Review please :) and maybe i'll have the next one up tonight :P