Disclaimer: The wonderful and talented Stephenie Meyer created these characters, made them into vampires, shape shifters and quirky teenagers. I changed them up, aged them, made them all human and I like it when they get citrusy. The names of the characters are hers, but the story line, and location it takes place is all me.

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Chapter 13: The Holiday, a Date, and Master Peter

EPOV

I have spent every single night on the phone with Bella. After I am off the phone, I spend my nights dreaming of her in my bed. Hot erotic dreams that make me feel like a teenaged boy again. The dreams are so realistic; I can feel her touch; I can feel the tingle on my skin.

I think all the talking we are doing is helping us, but we not only talk on the phone, we text and email too. Several times a day, before and during the workday, I get text messages and emails from her. I send her texts and emails as well; every morning, I text when I get up, and answer any she sends me promptly.

When I wake this morning, I still have the phone in my hand; we have both fallen asleep on the phone last night. I look at the screen and notice I have a text message.

Edward~ Good morning, we must have both fell asleep last night. I woke up with a cell phone imprint on my cheek. I will be ready for you to pick me up by ten. See you then. Bella~

I glance at the clock and it is only six, so I have plenty of time. I get up, and look outside to see another layer of frost on the ground. After using the bathroom and brushing my teeth, I throw on my shorts and running shoes. I head to the gym, after sending a text back to Bella.

Bella~ Good morning, beautiful. I am heading off to the gym, too cold outside to run out there. I can't wait to see you, I miss you. Edward~

As I run on the treadmill, I think over all the different things that Bella and I have discussed over the previous five days. We talked last Saturday night for almost an hour, but since then, we have spent no less than two hours on the phone together each night. We have really learned a lot about each other, talking has helped me a lot. I have a lot to thank Master Peter for.

I hope your workout was exhilarating, but save some energy- tomorrow is our date. I am glad we get to spend time together today. See you soon, Bella~

She cracks me up, what do I need to save energy for? We cannot have sex. I miss her body so much, that thinking or speaking about sex makes me hard as a rock. My dick is currently so hard; I think I could cut diamonds with it. No sex with Bella is bad enough, but then add the BDSM embargo, and it puts me in another state of mind. We choose to put our relationship and contracted time, in the able hands of Master Peter. This is what is best for us, but it means no fun until Master Peter says otherwise.

No worries, I have plenty of stamina. I will see you shortly, but for now, I am off to shower. I am all hot and sweaty, need to cool off. Love, Edward~

Making my way to the shower, I am proud that I am able to dish a bit of banter back at her. I have a lot on my mind, so as I step into the shower, I run over things in my head. I still have to write out my assignment for Master Peter. I am having a hard time with it, because thinking about what my life would be like without Isabella in it, is simply painful. I have already called Master Peter to tell him of my plans for my date on Friday with Bella.

I am picking her up around three o'clock and taking her to the Amana Colonies. We are going to have dinner at The Ox Yoke Inn, and then we are heading back to Cedar Rapids. I have purchased tickets to see the musical 'Annie', at Theatre Cedar Rapids. After the theatre, if Bella is up to it, I am taking her to R. J. Books for a drink, and maybe some dancing. It would be amazing to have her body up against mine. The feel of her hips moving on me would make my day.

After showering and dressing, I grab the portfolio from my home office and put it in the car. The final design is wonderful, and I am positive that my parents will completely love it. I emailed a copy to each of my brothers on Tuesday, when I finished it. Yesterday, I heard from both of my sister-in-laws, telling me how much they love the room already.

Monday afternoon, Garrett, Tanya, James, and Victoria meet me for lunch at my office. We go over the current blueprints of our parent's house. We decide that it would be best if we add onto the back of the house encompassing the kitchen, den, and formal living room. The design I put together is large enough to add, not only a game room and bar to the house, but also a spa area.

The spa will have an area for massage tables, a twelve person hot tub, and a never ending lap pool. The lap pool is Bella's idea, since Esme mentioned that she misses being able to swim outside in the wintertime. I design the spa area to house the never ending lap pool directly in the corner, and the hot tub will be closest to the house. Both the lap pool and the hot tub are being professionally installed, and both are in-ground.

The game room will have a full sized slate top pool table, as well as several different gaming systems. The bar will have cooler cases under it to keep them out of sight, yet have a place to keep cold drinks. The bar will have twelve stools and be fifteen feet long. The bar top and bar stools are all going to be made using the same Black Walnut that will trim the entire room.

We already have hired the contractors, and they are going to have the construction finished within three weeks. After I finish with the design, I contact a friend who owns the best professional pool installation company in the area. I have it arranged so that the lap pool and hot tub will be finished in the same time frame as the rest of the construction.

My parent's home is located on eight acres of land, so I know there will be no issues on the size of the room. I finish drawing the floor plans, and the way it will attach to their house. I have contacted my buddy, who is a building inspector for the county, and he is helping me push through to get the needed permits, and we are ready to start construction on Friday.

I know that my mother will have it all designed inside before they finish the stone floor, and the center stone fireplace that I have drawn into the design plans. This will be an all season room, the ceiling panels and three fourths of each exterior wall will be glass. The floor will be heated, and the room will be fully climate controlled. The only room dividing walls will be between the spa area and the bar area. I have it designed so that the bar will be the dividing center. Between the bar and the game room will be a large round free standing stone fireplace. The wood, glass, and stone will appease my mother's sense of the rural area they choose to live in, outside the city.

I have spent a good deal of time on the phone discussing with Bella the design, and she thinks that my mom will love it. I know if my mom likes it, that my father will be happy. Anything that makes Esme happy, in turn makes Carlisle a happy man. Bella actually has given me a lot of input for the design. According to Bella, her and my mom, have talked a lot about things they want to do to their homes. I know that Bella has helped me by subtly asking my mom leading questions. I am grateful; my mom would never suspect Bella being involved in a gift from her sons.

I smile as I see the next text from Bella.

Hope the cool shower helped you. If you have not already can you please wear some of that Corum, for me? I love the way it smelled on your skin. Hurry up! Bella~

I quickly shoot off a reply to her.

Just got dressed. Corum...hmm, okay. Anything that makes you rub your nose on my jaw, has my approval. On my way in two minutes. xo Edward~

I am so glad I did not grab my normal everyday cologne already, heading to the bathroom to put on Corum. I am not aware that she likes it that much before now. I did pick up a bottle when I saw it at JC Penny, when we shopped at the mall last Saturday. That is a piece of info I will keep in mind for our date tomorrow. With a smile, I head out of the house, off to pick up Bella.

I hope that today goes as well as my mother says it will. I know deep down that if my family makes her feel welcome, it will help me in the long run with my bid to be with Bella forever.

Forever…wow…I never thought it was for me.

BPOV

I am nervous about going with Edward for Thanksgiving to his parent's house. I get even more nervous when I find out it is also a celebration for Esme and Carlisle's forty-ninth anniversary. I know we are celebrating a holiday, and that I am being included by Edward's parents, because they think he and I are in an exclusive relationship.

We are kind of, aren't we? I just cannot explain it to anyone, because even I do not know its definition.

I feel compelled to buy them a gift for their anniversary. I get a very nice pen set for Carlisle, I have one just like it and I love it. I have it engraved to read, 'Dr. Carlisle Cullen'. I get a huge gift basket full of lotions, creams, shower gels, body wash, body sprays, hand soaps, and candles for Esme. Then for the both of them, I found a 1960 bottle of Chateau Petrus, Pomerol, France.

I choose the 1960, because that is the year they were married. The broker I use to purchase the bottle of wine, informs me that it is one of the better bottles of wine from that year. The broker tries to get me to purchase the entire case, but I see no use in a fifty thousand dollar case of wine. The bottle is beautiful, and since Carlisle is an avid wine collector; I am sure that he will covet this bottle. Edward does not know about the bottle of wine yet, I am sure he will think I spent too much.

Thinking back to a conversation we had the other night, about money; I think that Edward is shocked to find that I owe nothing to any banks. Everything I have is owned outright. I have excellent credit, I have several credit cards, but that is because I do not carry much cash. I am extremely wealthy, and I know that Edward is as well.

I have never really spent my money on anything frivolous. The only things I own, that I spent large amounts of money on, is my home, and the two empty lots on each side and the five behind me. Building my house first on the block has an advantage; I just bought the entire block. Of course, there is my Viper, that is a tad frivolous, but I paid for that out of my earnings, not my savings.

I take an extra long bath, and then shower off. I choose a very nice, but comfortable burgundy colored silk wrap dress. I choose to wear my soft chocolate leather boots that come to my knee. I put up the front part of my hair, and leave the rest to hang in natural curls down my back. The dress brings out the highlights in my hair. I am all ready to go, and just waiting for Edward to come pick me up. I am glad I am going to see him today, and I am even more excited for the date we have planned tomorrow.

Edward tells me that he clears all of his plans with Master Peter. Edward says Master Peter does remind him that we are not allowed to have sex. This is very hard for me. I feel a desire to be close to Edward, not just sexually, but I do crave and miss that a lot. I am very curious to see what Edward has planned. Master Peter insists that Edward plans the date and takes me out. Master Peter wants me to be clear that I have a say in the date, but only over myself and my actions.

I have been sending Edward text messages today, and I love this easy banter that is starting between us. I have everything ready to go, and all I can do is think over the last few days of phone conversations. I have learned so much about Edward, and I look forward to knowing even more.

I know when Edward arrives; Felix rings to let me know he is here. I am so happy to be seeing him, I hurry to the entrance hall and throw open the door before he can knock. There he is standing at my door; his hand is raised to knock. The air feels electrified as soon as our eyes meet.

I suddenly lurch forward and throw my arms around his neck and hug him with as much strength as I can. I pull back only enough to kiss him deeply, until I cannot breathe. I move back enough to run my nose along his jaw, enjoying the smell of the cologne mingling with his natural scent.

"Baby, as much as I want your hands, lips, and body on mine, I think we better stop now before both of us get our backsides tanned by Master Peter."

"Oh…Edward, you…you're right. I am not sure what came over me. You look so nice," I say in a breathy tone.

"My love, you look stunning," he says.

Edward takes my right hand, and raises it to his mouth. After kissing the back of my hand, he kisses the inside of my wrist. His lips feel like velvet across my skin. His sneaky warm tongue tastes my skin when his lips meet my wrist. I let out a moan, and noticing him adjusting himself, I guess it goes straight to his cock. It is going to be a long day, and even a longer night.

I am slightly nervous as we set off, but Edward holds my left hand, and the connection to him calms me. I have had lunch with Esme a couple of times, and I enjoy her company. I even help to milk information from her, to help Edward with what she may want. I know that Esme will make me feel welcome, but I am nervous about meeting Edward's brothers and their wives and Kate. I have spent the last several years with friends, this is the first year I have been asked to join a full family holiday. I will be the only person there, who is not a Cullen.

"Don't worry, everyone will love you," Edward says as he kisses the back of my hand again.

"How did you know what I was thinking?" I ask.

"I can see the worry in your eyes, my love. Do not stress out, they will all adore you."

"If I forget to tell you later, thank you for including me today."

"No, my love, there is no reason to thank me. Without you, here with me today, I would have nothing to be thankful for."

I have come to realize just how much I need him, too.

"I am the one that is thankful," I say and smile sweetly at him.

"Well, here we are. Are you ready?" Edward asks.

"As I'll ever be," I reply.

As we enter the house, you could smell the warmth and love in the air. It is such an overwhelming feeling. Esme rushes over to hug me, and I feel a stray tear slide down my cheek. I am sure that no one notices it, but it is not from sadness anyway. I quickly compose myself and greet Carlisle who has followed his wife to the door. I never realized how much I missed the touch of my mother, until I have Esme welcome me as if I am her daughter today.

By the end of the day, I am full of food, and ready to unwind. As Edward drives me home, I think over the day. This Thanksgiving day is wonderful; I have not had any full family type experiences. Holidays when I was growing up with my dad, were small gatherings either by ourselves or just a few of dad's friends, and people from the force. Esme and Carlisle both treat me as if I am their daughter. Garrett and Tanya and their daughter, Kate, as well as James and Victoria, all treat me as if I am family.

I take a special liking to Kate immediately; she is very bright for only being twelve. Kate is also extremely pretty; she has a mixture of her mother's striking looks, her father and grandfather's blonde hair, and ironically has the same green eyes that Esme and Edward share. I can see how much Kate adores her Uncle Edward, and by association it seems that I am now included into that adoration. Kate makes a production of begging me over and over to come to Christmas dinner at Esme and Carlisle's. I do not want to make promises that I cannot keep, so I say that we will see.

Dropping me off at my house, Edward is the perfect gentleman.

"Bella, I will be picking you up tomorrow at three," he tells me.

"Are you going to tell me where we are going, and what we are doing, so I know how to dress?" I ask him.

"We are going to go do a little browsing at a few of the small shops and have dinner in the Amana Colonies. Then we are going to the theatre, and I thought maybe a drink and some dancing. How does that sound?"

"That sounds amazing, Edward," I tell him.

"You are amazing, Bella," he whispers.

It is as if the earth comes to a standstill. He is facing me, standing outside my front door. He leans closer, and raises his hand to my cheek. Rubbing his thumb along my jaw, he looks at my lips and then back to my eyes.

"May I please kiss you?"

"Yes, Edward, please kiss me."

I feel the current of his touch flicker across my skin, as his lips descend onto mine. The soft yet firm feel of his lips against mine, is intoxicating. He sucks my bottom lip into his mouth and strokes his tongue along it. I greedily open my mouth to him, tasting the sweetness that is all Edward. I thread my fingers into his hair, and he moans into my mouth. We have pulled each other so close that you cannot slide a hair between our bodies. When we break the kiss, we are both panting, and I am so damp I am uncomfortable.

"Yeah, umm…I had better go," Edward stutters out.

"Call me when you get home?" I ask him.

"Of course, I love you," he says.

Giving me a light kiss on the cheek, he goes down the steps and gets into his car. As he drives away he waves, and I go inside. The light on the answering machine is blinking, so I go over and push the button to listen to the messages.

BEEP…Message one at 10:21 AM.

"Bella, this is Jason. I wanted to let you know that Mike is out of jail. He showed up here today for dinner, apparently my wife bailed him out. I wanted to make sure that you were aware. He is wearing a tracking anklet, and has assured me that he intends to stay away from you. I am very sorry for all this mess. I wish I had known, I never would have helped Mike get the job with Huntley Accounting. I hope that you have a nice holiday, I will see you on Monday."

BEEP…Message two at 10:47AM.

"Isabella, I wanted to forewarn you, that Mike was released on bail early this morning. I have already notified the security company, and you will have a tail anytime you go anywhere. If you need to talk, call me at home," I hear Laurent's voice say.

BEEP…Message three at 4:17PM.

Just breathing sounds for almost a minute, and then click.

I save all the messages and call Laurent to tell him of the other two calls, and he says he will trace the last call. He tells me to stay safe and if possible, stay around other people. He also says he is going to call Jason and see if Jason can alibi Mike for the time of the third call.

Not long after I hang up, the phone rings again, and I am so happy to see the caller ID showing it is Edward on the line. I enjoy talking to him, and I do not mention the calls, but I do intend on speaking to him about them tomorrow on our drive to Amana. After our conversation, I sit and think about the day I spent with his family. I really truly enjoy myself, and I feel so welcomed and loved.

I wonder if this is what having my own family would truly feel like?

EPOV

I am so happy, Bella and my family get along so well. My brothers both tell me how beautiful they think Bella is. It means a lot to me that my family all likes her. I can see how much Kate likes Bella, and the feeling is clearly mutual. The way they interact, you would think they have known each other for years. Bella is amazing with everyone, and everyone is sure to tell me they like her.

I know that my family is very pleased to know I am bringing a woman with me to our holiday celebration. My brother James tells me he is happy for me, and that it is good to see me happy again. Garrett points out to me that it has been twenty years since I have brought anyone home, or looked this happy on a holiday. My mother informs me that I need to make sure to start bringing Bella to Sunday night family dinners. My father tells me how amazingly wonderful he thinks she is. Kate tells me that she can use another aunt, and that she really likes Bella. Victoria just hugs me and says she is happy for me, while Tanya tells me that she thinks Bella is exactly the one thing that makes me complete.

My parents are extremely pleased with the addition plans and renovations to their home. When we all explain that Bella had a hand in it, my mother teases her about being sneaky at getting her information. The entire day is peaceful and fun. My mother loves the huge basket Bella gives her, and my father loves the pen set. When Bella gives my parents the bottle of wine, my mom gasps, and my father smiles. My parents exclaim that this is the best holiday they have spent in ages.

Taking Bella home for the night is difficult for me. I want nothing more than to keep her and take her home with me. Kissing her at her door and leaving is hard, and it isn't the only thing hard, either. As I drive home, I think about the assignment I still have to write out for Master Peter.

I get home and call Bella. She is just as happy as I am with the day we spent together. We joke about being crazy enough to go shopping at the ass crack of dawn, for Black Friday. She assures me that she will be sleeping peacefully, not out standing in lines to get a deal. I remind her that I am in fact a true last minute shopper, so there is no way I will be out Christmas shopping, yet. We talk for a while, and I remind her that I will see her at three, and bid her sweet dreams.

I pick Bella up at three, just as I planned and she looks amazing. We make small talk in the car on the ride to Amana. Bella informs me that Mike is out of jail, and that she had an odd phone call, but that Laurent is already on it, and that we will have a tail. I do notice the dark colored Ford 500 that seems to follow every turn I make. I assure her that she is safe with me, and that I will protect her from Mike. She strokes the back of my hand and tells me she believes in me.

We get to the Amana Colonies by four; there is not a lot of traffic to contend with, at all. Seems most people are shopping at the malls and the big stores. As we walk along the street in Amana, I joke that we are actually shopping on Black Friday. We stop and buy a few things that Bella says she cannot pass on. We visit the winery, and get a few bottles. We walk through two antique stores, and Bella finds a beautiful table that she says Charlotte will just adore. Bella quickly pays for it and sets up delivery for it, and we head over to dinner.

Our meal is amazing; the authentic German food is out of this world. We both have Sauerbraten served family style, and for dessert, we have the homemade strawberry rhubarb pie ala mode. The meal is delicious and extremely filling. When we leave, to head to the theatre, we both are talking about how full we are. The relaxing drive to the theatre is pleasant, and we mainly hold hands and enjoy the view.

The show is amazing, and the little girl that plays Annie is very talented. Bella and I have quite the discussion about how the cast and crew at Theatre Cedar Rapids are not paid, they are all volunteers. I enjoy our time at dinner and the theatre, and since neither of us is ready to let the night end yet, we head to the lounge.

When I finally take Bella home it is after eleven, kissing her at the door is again a pleasure and torture, all at the same time. I let her know I will see her at Master Peter's at noon, and I kiss her again and leave. When I get home, I send her a text.

Bella~ Just got home. I had a wonderful time tonight, and I miss you already. I will see you soon. Love, Edward~

Moments later, I get a text back from Bella.

I had a great time too. I miss you as well. Get your homework done. I am finally working on mine. See you soon. xoxo Bella~

I laugh when I read that, and decide that she is correct, I better get my ass in gear, or my ass will get tanned tomorrow. I sit at my desk and pick up the journal, opening it to the page I need, and start writing.

Master Peter~

You asked that I write about what my life would be like without Bella in it, and this is what I have discovered about myself in thinking about it. Without Bella in my life now, I would be a miserable mess. I never realized until yesterday, how much Bella has changed me. Changed me for the better, my life is no longer just going along with the groove. I have come back to life; Bella breathed air into my cold dead soul, and gave me hope. I am a different person than I was just a few short months ago. Bella has given me the reason I was missing from my life that made me feel alive. I had not realized just how much of myself was missing, until my entire family pointed it out to me in different ways on Thanksgiving day. Seeing Bella with my family, interacting and being there as if she belonged, set a passion alive in me stronger than it was before. Bella is my life, and I know that without her, my existence on this earth is not worth anything. She gives to me all the reasons, to want to be everything that she needs and wants in her life. The best way to answer this honestly is to say that without Bella in my life, I would be lonely, and with her gone, my hope at a true happiness would dissipate into nothingness.

Edward~

I get up from my desk, and sit the journal on the hall table to take with me tomorrow, and head upstairs. I go through my nighttime routine and get ready for bed. I sit on my bed, and send Bella another text.

I got mine done, heading to bed now. Sweet dreams. I love you. Edward~

My phone beeps, and I see a text from Bella.

I am about finished with my assignment too, sweet dreams. I love you too. Bella~

After seeing her texting to me that she loves me too, I know deep down that we will make this work, somehow.

BPOV

I am not a nervous person, but getting ready to go to Master Peter's house today is a chore, because my nerves are all over the place. I know that today things will be different when I leave Master Peter's house. I am not sure if it will be good or bad, but I know it will be different.

I pick up my journal and quickly read through what I have written.

Master Peter~

I have spent more than twenty years learning to not depend on anyone. I learned long ago in my past, that it is easier to count only on myself, and not let anyone in to hurt me. I learned that if I kept to myself, and shut out people, that no one would get close enough to make a difference. I know that it is not the way that I want to live anymore, and I know that the person that will change that in me, is Edward. I know that I love him. I know that I want him. I don't just want him, I want everything. I know that it will take work to get there, but we will do it together. I want him in my life, as a complete part of my world. I want him to be my friend, lover, partner, and submissive. I cannot imagine ever having any other man in my bed, not in any aspect. I have never found any person that can make me feel the way that he does, and I have no desire to try to find anyone else. When I met Edward, I was doing a sub search, and what I found was a soul mate. I love Edward, and I want us to be together in every way possible. So to answer your question, I could not feel without Edward in my life. Now that I have met Edward, experienced the love and devotion he has for me as a person and as his Mistress, there is no way to survive in this world for me without him.

Isabella~

Yep, that pretty much sums up how I feel. I grab my purse, my journal, and my keys, and head out the door. I am very glad I am going to see Edward again today, and hopefully, we can see more of each other this coming week.

I arrive at Master Peter's an hour early, so I can spend some time with Charlotte. I am so excited to see her, and the way that she hugs me close tells me she misses me too. We chat in the kitchen about the holiday, and she promises me that for dessert she has made her special pumpkin ice cream pie.

I tell her that I have found her the perfect gift for Christmas while shopping the day before in Amana. We joke about how she had gone out and did the Black Friday shopping, like a fool. Charlotte loves a good deal, and she has to go out just to get a few of the big sale items. I laugh with her, when she explains to me some of the oddities she sees while out getting her deals.

It is nice hanging out with my friend, and I do not realize how much I have missed time with her until today. It is nice having some girl time with her. I feel as if I have not really talked with her for ages. She is truly my only female friend, who I am completely comfortable around. The closer it gets to noon, the more excited I am, and I know that Charlotte can tell. Charlotte has just gotten done teasing me, when Edward and Master Peter come into the kitchen.

We all sit around the kitchen table and have a lovely lunch, and as she promises, the pumpkin ice cream pie is really wonderful. It is wonderful enjoying good food and conversation with my closest friends. After lunch is over, I help Charlotte clean up the kitchen.

We meet Edward and Master Peter in the living room and head for the den at Master Peter's suggestion, grabbing our journals. It is instantly no longer a meeting of friends, like a flip of a switch, everything changes. You can feel the difference in the air, it is like when you are entering the play room, your whole mindset moves. Entering the den, I notice three cushions on the floor, two in front of the large wingback chair, and one off to the right of it.

"Pet, you may sit. Edward, Bella, hand me your journals and you may sit here," Master Peter says pointing to the two cushions in front of the chair.

Master Peter sits in front of us, and opens Edward's journal first. Things are extremely quiet as Master Peter reads the journal. Master Peter lets no emotions show on his face as he reads. I am not surprised when he says nothing as he sits it down, before picking up my journal and opening it. I am very shocked when after a few minutes of time passes, Master Peter's eyes lift and look at me.

"Isabella, when did you write this?" Master Peter asks me.

"Last night, after I returned home," I reply.

"I see. Edward when is it that you wrote this?" Master Peter asks holding up Edward's journal.

"I thought about it for several days, but was only able to put it into words after I returned home last night."

"Okay, well, I have a few questions for you both. I want them to be open, honest, and private."

Edward and I glance at each other.

"Edward, you will stand, and go with Charlotte to the kitchen. I will send Isabella in a little bit, and you will come back here. Do either of you have any questions, before I separate you two?"

"No, Master Peter," we both reply.

Edward and Charlotte leave the room, and Master Peter sits there for several minutes and just looks at me.

"Isabella, I think that you are one of the best Dommes I have ever had the pleasure of mentoring. You have always had the ability to keep the lines clean and separate. You have always shown nothing, but extreme and intense devotion, to doing things the right way. Today, Isabella, you have shocked me. I never thought that the day would come when I would get the honor to meet, or know, the true woman that is Isabella Marie Swan."

I blink several times, and open my mouth to say something only to stop, because I am unsure of what to say. The room remains silent; I know that Master Peter is giving me time to think over what he says.

"Thank you, Master Peter," I finally say.

"Isabella, you need to make a choice. The choice will be life changing, no matter what way you choose. The choice is: work on a real relationship, or continue the BDSM relationship you have already established."

"Wait, why can I not have both," I raise my voice.

"DO. NOT. TAKE. THAT. TONE. WITH. ME!" Master Peter roars.

"I apologize, Master Peter. I would like to know why can I not have both?" I ask in a much lower tone, and nicer way.

"You can have both eventually, but for now you need to decide if you can give up the BDSM stuff to let your relationship with Edward flourish and grow. If things go badly, and you are not truly meant for each other, then you may lose a submissive and a mate. If things go well with your relationship, then together you can decide what parts you want to incorporate the lifestyle into."

I nod in understanding, as I think about what he says. The silence is deafening, but Master Peter has more to say.

"You can lose either way, if you choose to stay as BDSM only, he may not be able to be with you in only that way. You also need to remember that a relationship will be work, and it is not going to be all roses, so you could lose him there, too. The biggest question is, do you want him badly enough to take that chance and put yourself out there?"

"Yes, Master Peter, I have to try."

"Very well, Isabella, go now and have Edward come in here. I will call you back in and we will all talk together in a short bit. Please ask Charlotte to make a tea tray for us all," he says dismissing me.

I walk into the kitchen and Edward instantly stands up and exits the kitchen. I walk over and hug my friend, and she strokes my back.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Charlotte asks with clear worry in her voice.

"I am okay, just scared is all. You are supposed to set up a tea tray," I tell her.

Charlotte giggles, and points to the counter behind me, there sits a fully stocked tea tray.

"The water is ready, whenever they are ready for us," she says.

We sit at the table, keeping the water warming on a slow heat until we are called back. We make more small talk, and I tell her all about how I want to find the perfect gift for Edward's niece, Kate. We have not sat for long, when Master Peter enters the room, with Edward following behind him.

"We will take tea in the living room now," he says as he turns to go back out.

Charlotte pours the hot water into the tea service, and motions us to go ahead. Edward and I make our way to the living room, and Charlotte follows with the tea tray. Entering the living room, I see Master Peter sitting in the armchair facing the sofa.

"Edward and Isabella, sit on the sofa please, Charlotte will serve tea."

I watch as Charlotte pours a cup of the hot tea for Master Peter, placing two lumps of sugar, and three cubes of the ice. As she continues to serve the tea, I sit here worrying.

"Isabella, you look as if you are worried. I assure you that you have no reason to worry. I spoke to you and I spoke to Edward, I have made a decision based on both of your choices. For now, you are both to refrain from any BDSM related scenes in any way, shape, or form."

I glance at Edward, and then back to Master Peter. "I want you two to keep up the communication; it seems that it has helped a lot. I want you to date, and I want you to spend time together. You have no restrictions; apart from there is to be absolutely nothing BDSM related between the two of you, or with anyone else until further notice."

"You mean, we can see each other as much as we want?" I ask in a rushed voice.

"Yes, and before you ask, you may entertain each other in any way, shape, or form you choose. However, do not forget that I did set one rule, and you had better not break it."

"Yes, Master Peter," we both answer.

"I have given you each an assignment to write on in your journals. I want you to work on them before we meet again next Sunday. Do either of you have any questions?"

"No, Master Peter," we both answer.

Shortly after that, we decide to head out and before we leave, Edward asks me if I would like to meet him for dinner tonight. I tell him that I would be pleased to go out with him tonight. He tells me he will pick me up at six and that jeans and a shirt will be fine. We both take the time to thank Master Peter and Charlotte, before leaving.

I drive home, thinking that I might take an hour nap before I go out tonight with Edward. I hear the chime of my cell phone, letting me know I have a text message.

I can't help myself, so I have to ask. Will you consider spending the night with me tonight? Edward~

EPOV

I am shocked when Master Peter asks me if I can give up the lifestyle to have Bella as my mate. I tell him that I feel it is in my nature to be a submissive, but I will walk through the flames of hell to be with Bella. He says it is not something that we have to give up forever, but for now, it is best if we set it aside.

Master Peter informs me that Bella is willing to give us a chance and set aside the lifestyle as well. We meet in the living room, and he tells us of our one and only rule: no BDSM. We both agree, and while Master Peter and Charlotte leave us alone for a few minutes, I ask her to dinner. I truly want to ask her to just come home with me, and I would cook for her. I think about where I want to take her, and decide someplace relaxing would be best.

The closer I get toward home, the more I realize I want her to come to my house, and be with me there. I pull out my cell at a stop light and quickly type out a message and send her a text. I wait for her reply, praying that she will say yes.

I hear the buzz sound and at the next stop light. I grab the cell.

I would love to, come pick me up anytime. Bella~

It takes me less than five seconds to type out and send her the next message.

On my way now. Pack a bag.

A/N: Sending out a special thanks and lots of praise to my wonderful Beta, Cullen Confection. Thanks out also to two of my favorite authors, who also pre-read for me: Jess2002, and butterflybetty, you two ladies rock and roll.

I want to say that I am sorry that you all have had to wait for this chapter to post, but I assure you that the next chapter will post as soon as it is done, and I am working on it over the next couple of days, it is my number one priority fan fiction wise.

Thanks to all the loyal readers and reviewers out there, as always if you review you will get a teaser from the next chapter... As always teasers are subject to change. Let me know what you think…Peace…TAT~