Chapter 13

I dropped Bella off for work Sunday night at the club. Even though I never entered the building I knew tongues would be wagging and people would be talking, Uley and his sub were exiting their car across the street at the time; gossip would be at a high. I thought about turning around and going in, but decided against it. Isabella was a big girl and could handle hearing what comments they would make. She wasn't allowed to talk to any of them and Alastair would put a stop to anyone that harassed her. I would stop in tomorrow night though.

I didn't hear any gossip on Monday but I hadn't really expected to, it would take Tanya at least a day to spread her news. I also hadn't heard from anyone in my family that was slightly disconcerting. I had no idea what had been said or discussed after we left.

If they stuck to their original plans Jasper and Alice would be back in a few weeks to house hunt again. They needed to do the bulk of the looking while it was still okay for Alice to fly. Once Alice was grounded she would be in charge of packing up their Texas house and arranging the move to Seattle. I wonder which of my brothers was looking at a house in my neighborhood. Please let it be Jasper, I'm not sure I could handle living that close to Rose.

Her behavior at the brunch surprised me. Maybe it shouldn't have but it did. I know how she is; she doesn't like change and definitely has a hard time getting to know new people, why did I think the fact that Bella was important to me would make a difference. I was positive she would give Bella a hard time; I never thought she would actually invite someone she has set me up with.

I was proud of the way Bella handled everything. I was quickly learning she wasn't like other women, not even ones older. The angry blow up I was expecting never came to be, she just rolled with whatever happened. I would have to find out how crazy her family was for her to be so accustom to this kind of thing.

When I walked into the club Monday night I was surprised to see Alastair in what looked to be a heated conversation with Sam Uley and Embry Call. Their subs were standing behind the booth, heads bowed. Judging by the look on the faces I could see either something had happened concerning Isabella or they were questioning Alastair about us. It was none of their business until I chose to make it club knowledge we were together and even then, it wasn't really their business. I was beginning to feel as if my hand was being forced to make it known that Isabella was mine. I was her Master and she only answered to me. I had a problem with that, I wanted her to have more training with me before we came to the club as Master and pet. They would pounce on the slightest weakness or mistake she made and I didn't want that for her.

"What is Uley's problem with me this time?" I asked Garrett as I approached his table.

"Something about Isabella not giving him the proper respect as a Dom or some shit. Personally I think he is just pissed she won't talk to him." Benjamin, a Dom, said. "So Edward, the lovely Isabella is now yours if one listens to the rumors. Congratulations, I think you two will be very good together."

"Thank you Benjamin, if only more people felt that way and would just butt out of our business." I told him, shaking his hand, and sliding into the booth with them.

"Not likely to happen anytime soon with that bunch." Another Dom, Kyle, said and inclined his head towards the argument Uley was still having with Alastair.

"She is only going what she was told to do. She isn't allowed to talk to anyone here more than her job entails, Alastair knows this and agrees."

"Really?" Kyle questioned. He hadn't been to the club in months due to his wife/sub just having a baby, so he wouldn't know about the problems some of the others had with us.

"Yeah," I said and ran my hand through my hair. "After we had our last test scene here at the club several Dom's and sub's felt the need to question her about things. She told them to talk to me, which was the correct thing to do, but rather than doing that they felt the need to continue to question her. To make her life easier I gave her a standing order only to talk to anyone here for the purpose of her job and nothing else, there are a few exceptions to the rule but not many."

"Makes sense," Garret said and the others nodded.

"I won't let Black, Uley or any of the others force me into something I don't feel Isabella is ready for." I said with finality and I wouldn't. This is about us and what we want, not them or their wants.

"How's Uley doing?" Garrett asked Alastair as he sat down with us.

"A pain in the ass, as usual. Watch your back with him Edward. I don't know if he is interested in Bella for his own reasons or for Jake but the son of bitch is definitely going to cause trouble."

"Did he confront Isabella directly?" That would be an offense I would call him out on right now. I'm sure Sam felt he wouldn't have a problem handling the college professor, after all he did have 4 inches and about 50 pounds on me. What he didn't have was a childhood of bullying that his parents let him take karate for, but I did, that and a black belt in Jujitsu. He couldn't come close to handling me and I would love to stress that point to him.

"No, he tried talking to her and when she raise her cuff to him and told him she wasn't allowed to talk to others while working he sent his sub over to question her. Emily received the same answer. When Leah and Rachel started in I escorted them back to the table and had words with Sam. That conversation boils down to if he has questions about Isabella's rules he should question her Dom and not her." I raised my eyebrow at that statement. "I did not confirm who her Dom is for him."

"Good. If he needs to know so damn bad he can ask me himself. Although I'm sure he knows, Jacob heard her call me Master last time I was in."

"He didn't come out and ask if it was you but he was hinting to the fact. I have no idea why he needs confirmation."

"Neither do I. So you know, I will probably stop in most nights Isabella is working." He looked surprised and a little offended. "I trust you to keep her safe here. My stopping by may cause more rumors about the two of us but it will also let them know I won't have them badgering her at work."

"Do you have a time frame in mind for when you will bring her here as your sub?" Garrett asked.

"I'm thinking about a month, the beginning of March. Although we do a drop in much sooner than that, but it would be short and she wouldn't leave my side."

"I could move her to Eclipse for the next month if that makes things easier on both of you?" Alastair offered.

"No, she likes working here and normally it is quieter if she needs to do school work. People don't come here to get drunk like they do there. I'll ask her but I expect her to say no."

"The offer stands if you need it."

"Thanks." I told him and meant it but I knew Isabella would say no, she liked working here and not so much at Eclipse. I stayed for another hour until Uley and his sidekicks left before checking on Isabella and wishing her goodnight.

Tuesday I heard the first whispers that I might be seeing a student in one of my upper level courses. Speculation was high as to if she was one of my students now or a former student of mine. I saw Tanya once, exiting a building, and she looked at me before shaking her head, as if she still didn't understand things. I didn't need her to understand, I needed her to keep her mouth shut.

I have been a Dom since my college days, going to the club the eight years I have been back in Seattle and never once seen a student in any BDSM setting. Now that I finally have a woman I want more with one former student knows I'm a Dom and another suspects I'm into S & M. I personally didn't care who knew about me but I was concerned what Isabella would think when people knew we were together. People tended to look down on this lifestyle to begin with, I wanted to be prepared if someone ask her if I beat her regularly. Given Tanya's views it is a definite possibility based on what she believes maybe happening. We would cross that bridge when we came to it. I'm sure she never faced this situation with James, they didn't interact outside the playroom. If I was lucky by the time everything came to light Bella would think what we have is worth all the drama that seems to follow me.

I realized after dinner that I had yet to hear from any member of my family and I was a little surprised. To be honest I expected some sort of half ass apology from at least my mother, hopefully they are taking what I said seriously. As I thought back over Sunday I suspect Jasper will be the first one to get in touch with me, he and Alice seemed the most…curious may be the right word, about Bella and I. I knew Emmett would be the last, no way in hell Rose was giving up without a fight and he would hold off facing her wrath as long as possible.

I woke Wednesday morning with less tension than I expected, especially given what happened last night. I wasn't exactly dreading the conversation Bella and I needed to have tonight but I wanted this shit over. I wanted us to not have to rehash things and just continue with her training. I would be a very happy camper when people started to leave us alone and just let us live our lives.

As I walked into the common area outside my office I overheard Afton's TA asking if he had heard the rumors about me. When he replied he hadn't and the TA explained what he had heard, I knew Tanya hadn't kept her mouth shut. There was talk of me being a member of a very private club and dating a student.

"I heard it's the one from your class that is always turning you down. No wonder she's turning you down if she's fucking Cullen." The TA stated.

"No way he is screwing a student. He is entirely too uptight for that and he has never been seen with anyone from the University."

"There's a first time for everything and you yourself said she is hot as hell. Maybe he feels she's worth the risk."

"No, he wouldn't risk his job." I found that statement interesting, after everything he had done did he really think I would just allow myself to be fired. "Besides, I'm younger and better looking, no way she would pick Cullen over me. She will be mine, I'm sure of it." And there is the arrogance all women love. I need to find out where he eats lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can arrange for Bella and I to eat there next week. I'm sure she'll love to set the little prick straight. Discussing this may actually be the high point of the talk tonight.

As my day progressed I caught the sidelong glances I received from students and professors, no one approached me, and I found it humorous. It seemed straight and narrow Professor Cullen was making waves and they didn't know what to make of it. I needed to find some way to stop Tanya from spreading the truth as she sees it. Bella is probably the best way to deflect her statements, she did a good job with my family, and she had this innocence about her, unless you saw her in action you would never believe she was into kinky sex.

Bella arrived at 6 on the dot and was dressed as I requested. She was sporting a mischievous smile that pretty much confirmed my suspicions that the rumors about me had reached her end campus. "Good evening Bella," I said so she would know I was speaking as her boyfriend.

"Well, well, well good evening Edward. Or should I address you as the Pervy Professor now? Rumor has it you like to tie up your students and have your wicked way with them?" She laughed as my mouth dropped open, is that what the students were saying.

"Really? I prefer you call me Edward." She laughed as I hoped she would.

"I can do that."

"Tonight is going to be very casual. We're going to The Flying Squirrel Pizza Co. for dinner and discuss events of the last several days. I'm Edward, you're Bella, and there are no rules except that you are to be respectful and honest with me at all times."

"Not a problem and I love The Flying Squirrel."

On the way to dinner I asked about her classes and she asked about mine. She was thoroughly enjoying all of her classes, with the exception of Afton's.

"It's not that I don't enjoy the class, I do. The information is very insightful, especially for a writer. I mean if you use a dream in your writing the opportunities for symbolism or foreshadowing are huge. It's the reason I signed up for the class in the first place. I could however do without Afton constantly offering me his help, as if I don't realize the man is hitting on me."

"I have an idea I want to tell you about at dinner that may take care of that for you or it may make it worse, you can never tell with that quack."

"Is it dream analysis you don't like or Afton?"

"Both, but mostly Afton, he uses his position to troll for girls. Good thing he doesn't teach below the college level or he would find his ass in jail." We both chuckled at the truth of that comment.

"How is your new Human Sexuality class going?"

"Well, this year's #57 isn't nearly as intriguing as the last one was?"

"I should hope not." She said and playfully hit my thigh.

"My new TA, Ben, spends most of the class blushing with his head pointed at the floor and I feel like I have a class of Newton's. There isn't a Jane to scare the shit out of some of the guys or a Bella to make people actually look a little deeper at things. Honestly, this is probably one of the worst group of students I have had so far and that is saying something. Their journals are so bad I actually thought of having you read them next time you need a punishment, because for a English major it would definitely be that, punishment."

"I wouldn't have a problem with that. I mean I have never seen your class roster and they are anonymous. It would be easier on my ass and I wouldn't have a hard time sitting the next day." She smirked at me as I parked the car.

"Maybe I like knowing why you have trouble sitting the next day." I told her as I took her hand and entered the restaurant.

After our drinks were delivered and we ordered our pizza it was time to talk. "So, Sunday?" I questioned.

"Sunday." She repeated.

"How do you feel about it. Remember 100% honesty, no matter how much it may hurt."

"I told you how I feel Edward, your family is nuts. I understand your brothers' and dad teasing you by calling me jailbait and other things, but to actually say it when I'm present, that is not cool. Either your brother has absolutely no filter, he truly didn't realize how insulting I would find it, or he didn't care if I felt insulted. None of those options sit very well with me."

"Emmett definitely has no filter, but he wouldn't intentionally insult you Bella."

"So he thought I wouldn't find being called jailbait insulting? I'm not 16 Edward. I realize he probably said it more to tease you but I don't like it. In my opinion it refers to more than just my age."

"I understand and will stress that point to him, if he ever calls me that is."

"Have you heard from anyone?"

"No and I admit I'm more than a little surprised I haven't. Don't get me wrong I expect to hear from Emmett last because he will incur Rose's wrath when she finds out but I have been expecting at least something from one of my parents."

"Are you bothered by the lack of response?'

"Partly yes, but I hope they are using the time to take what was said to heart and respond sincerely. Is that what's happening? I have no idea, but I hope it is." She was nodding but like me her eyes seemed wary to accept the explanation.

"I have something I want to say and if it comes out wrong please don't feel I'm judging anyone or implying anything negative."

"Go ahead, I promise to let you explain if I don't understand."

"Alice, she confuses me. It seems as if she goes along with Rose instead of doing her own thing. I guess I don't understand. I'm sure you told me that Alice had been involved in your family longer than Rose, but she seems less sure of her place. Rose is very confident of her place in the family. Why is that?"

"Alice has always been very upbeat, sweet, and outgoing. I think I told you also that Rose only accepted Alice because she was there first. Rose has a very strong personality and definite views and opinions. I think Alice basically goes along to keep the peace, she is toned down when she is around Rose. I have started to wonder how the family dynamic is going to change when everyone lives within an hour of each other. I think everyone is in for a big wake up call."

"How do you mean? It seemed as if everyone got along well enough."

"They do but Alice isn't going to let Rose get her away as often when they live closer and Rose isn't going to be able to keep up her façade for my parents if they move closer. Not to mention once they both the babies, my mother is going to be all about the grandchildren and she will want to see them often. Things will be changing all around, hopefully they will be so busy focusing on those things they will leave me and us alone."

"Keep dreaming Edward, keep dreaming." The waiter brought our pizzas and she waited for him to leave to continue. "You are something they can rally around and it will take a while for them to start to turn on each other. Oh no, I expect us to be the big item until the babies are born, at least." She said with a laugh, I prayed she was wrong.

"Your other thoughts on the brunch?" I loved the way her mind worked. Maybe it was the writer in her, but she saw layers in people's actions.

"I was a little surprised that Rose admitted to inviting Kate so easily. She also knows now I'm not going to let her walk all over me. I'm not at all surprised your mother thinks I'm looking for a sugar daddy." My eyebrows disappeared into my hair with that comment. "Come on Edward you have to see it, if it was another in our place wouldn't you at least consider that possibility? It doesn't offend me, yet. Should she continue to think that after getting to know me I will be extremely offended and voice that fact to her."

"I can see where you wouldn't be offended this first time but I am going to say something to her about it because you were right too, it is insulting for her to think all a woman wants me for is my money."

"I know, I could care less about your money. I want you for your big dick." Bella said and smirked when a gasp came from the table next to us. She'd been peeking over at that table for the last few minutes and just confirmed they had been eavesdropping. We weren't whispering but they would need to concentrate on us to hear everything. "He is huge ladies and let me tell you he knows how to use it for maximum pleasure."

"Isabella!" I reprimanded her and felt a blush start to creep up my neck.

"Sorry Sir, but they shouldn't have been listening." With that statement the two women picked up their check and left. When they reached the door Bella turned to me and smiled, I don't think she was sorry at all.

"Really Isabella," I was going for stern but didn't quite get my point across.

"I meant no disrespect Sir, you should think of it as a compliment." I arched an eyebrow at her, she was walking a thin line, and she knew it. "Who do you think will contact you first?"

"Changing the subject won't save you."

"Okay, but I really didn't say it to make you uncomfortable, I said it to put the busybodies in their place. With this being Edward/Bella time I didn't think it was truly over the line. I do apologize, Sir." She lowered her eyes to the table. I thought about what she said and realized this was one of those things we would work out with time.

"You're right it is Edward/Bella time and because it is you won't have a punishment, but, now you know that type of statement is over the line."

"Yes, Sir." She answered with her head bowed, that didn't stop me from seeing her smile.

"Back to your question. I suspect it will either be Jasper or my father to get in touch with me first. I'm more than willingly to talk with or meet either of them, individually, but I'm not going to meet all of them so they can gang on me about this."

"That makes sense, I would be suspicious if they did want to meet as a group. How open and honest will any of them be in a group setting? I agree, one on one would seem to be the best way to start." She looked at the table and seemed nervous about something. I took her hand in mine and she looked up. "If Alice or your mother wants to meet with both of us, I would do that for you. I don't have anything to hide, my feelings for you and reasons for being with you are honest ones Edward, I want them to see that."

"Thank you, Bella." I kissed her hand because it must be hard for her to make the offer. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable Bella and honestly, I have no idea how rude the conversation may get."

"Well, the offer is there if you need it."

"If, and only if they ask both of us to meet them then I will take you up on your offer. They had better be respectful if you are there, if not the meeting ends immediately. They may be my family but I am my own man and it is time they learned that fact."

"Agreed."

"Now, what rumors have heard the warrant me being called the Pervy Professor?" I hope she is joking about the nickname.

"I'm the only one calling you the Pervy Professor at the moment. It has a certain ring to it, don't ya think." She was mocking me. That much was obvious. "Seriously though, to my knowledge Tanya hasn't mentioned me by name yet. She is telling people you are seeing a graduate student, I have no idea why she isn't telling them it is me. I think she maybe denying the whole S & M thing because I heard someone question Jessica about it in the quad yesterday. She told them to believe what they wanted and walked away."

"I'm pretty sure Alastair reminded her that the club is private for a reason and her membership is shaky at best right now. I'm glad she is taking that to heart."

"Me too but as more people see us together Tanya will be more comfortable telling people it's me. Have you heard anything?"

"I overheard Afton and his TA talking about me sleeping with a student." I smirked at her. "I also overheard how he's going to be stepping up his game of trying to get one of his students."

"Uugghhhh, I wish that man would just give up. He is a creeper and driving me nuts." I chuckled and she tried to give me the stink eye.

"I have an idea that will change things, I hope for the better but maybe for worse in the beginning. How would you like to have lunch with me on Thursday, next Thursday, after Afton's class?"

"I'd love to. Do you want me to meet you at the same deli as last time?"

"No actually, I plan on finding out where Afton has lunch and take you there." I don't think I have ever seen her eyes that wide. She opened her mouth several times to talk and closed it without saying anything. "It would make a statement."

"Mmmm, yeah it would make a statement."

"I understand if you don't want to because it definitely outs us as a couple." I paused to give her a chance to respond, but nothing. "Are you ready for something like that?"

"I don't know. I mean, I know it has to happen sometime and definitely before that fundraiser in April. It seems…I mean…isn't almost provoking him?"

"Yes." It was, I knew it was and that's why we wouldn't do it if she didn't want to. "My hope is that he either just backs off or comes to me with his accusations. If we do this I will be sure to be outside your classroom on Tuesday so that if he does question you I will be right there to put a stop to it."

"That's fine. He can't mess with grade or anything, I have a long string of A's behind me if he tries that trick. Let's do it and hopefully he will move on to someone else afterwards."

"It's a plan then. Are you ready to go?" She nodded, I settled the bill, and we headed out. I intentionally waited until we were in the car to tell her about what I planned for the weekend.

"Isabella I want to talk about this weekend for a moment."

"Yes Master."

"Friday you will arrive as scheduled and we will play that night. Saturday I want to spend some time going over hand signals and how you are expected to act when we are at the club or a play party. Saturday night we will be going to the club, we won't play, but we going to make an appearance to put a stop to all the badgering you endure when you are working. I'll have an outfit for you to wear, you'll wear your cuffs, and I have a special play collar for you when we are in public. Sunday we will relax, talk about the night before, and play again before you leave at 3 pm. Any questions?"

"No Master."

We had arrived at the house. I was nervous about the last item I wanted to discuss with her. I wanted to add a session and hoped she would agree, she could easily turn me down.

"Isabella, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me on Tuesday and then playing with me?" In actuality she would be dinner on Tuesday but to tell her that would give too much away.

"Tuesday, Master?" She looked confused but not as if she was saying no.

"Yes, it's Valentine's Day and I have a special surprise for my pet. If she feels like playing that is."

"I'd love to Master." The smile on her face copied her words.

"Very good." I exited the car and went around opening her door and walking her over to her car. "I'm glad we cleared the air some tonight Bella, openness and honesty are the only defense we have against people's preconceived ideas of us."

"I know, I'll always be honest with you Edward, no matter how uncomfortable I may be. Thank you for dinner. I enjoy spending time with you, even if the topic of conversation isn't always easy."

"I agree Bella, I like taking you out. I'll see you Friday at 6. Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of it." She said as I leaned down to give her a good night kiss.

As I watched her pull away I felt lighter than I had before dinner. While I wasn't surprised with how things went at dinner it was nice to have my feelings confirmed, she was just as committed to this as I was.

After locking the house up I went to the playroom to look over my toys. Friday I would discover if Isabella had managed to find a better way to distract herself for orgasm control. As I looked over my instruments of pleasure I could tease my pet with my eyes landed on the one I knew would send her over the edge. Pervy Professor indeed.

A/N: I apologize for the long wait on this, with family coming in for one holiday and my family traveling for another things got away from me. Now things have returned to the normal level of crazy and I hope to get back on track with updating. Thanks for sticking with me. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year.

Thanks for reading !