A/N: We don't own Twilight, never have, and probably never will. I don't even own True Blood which makes me very sad because that sex scene in front of the fireplace? hot damn.
It's officially Thursday by fourteen minutes my time... That means I can post!!! Yay!
Jasper POV
I arrived at six fifteen, a banana bread trifle in hand. My mama taught me how to make very few things, but the ones she did are damn good. Edward opened the door this time and I could hear Bella in the kitchen.
"Come on in, Doc."
I smiled, but otherwise ignored Edward as I walked into the kitchen. He walked past me and out the back door. I'd give him a few more sessions before teaching him proper respect. I set the glass trifle dish onto the breakfast nook table and watched Bella stir whatever was in the big pot. There was a slight curry scent to the air but also some smells I couldn't identify right away.
"Hi Jasper. What did you bring?"
"A Whitlock family tradition, banana bread trifle. I hope you both like bananas."
Bella nodded and stirred the pot one more time. I peeked over her shoulder and saw a thick lentil stew with carrots and onions sticking out. She grabbed a small spoon from the drawer left of the stove and took a taste. Her eyes brightened before closing as she let out a happy sigh.
"Curried lamb and lentil stew, home baked flat bread, and Edward has the grill going out back with some vegetable kabobs. A little birdie also mentioned something about sweet tea so there's a batch of sun tea I made today out on the porch. Ice is in the freezer. Help yourself."
"Thanks ma'am." I let my southern drawl come out a little stronger than normal, earning a bright blush across her cheeks. Edward was a lucky man.
Speaking of the man of the house, he came back in with a platter of grilled vegetables. The sweet smell of carmelized onions, carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomatoes filled the room. He carried them through a side door I had not examined in my last visit.
"Bella, love? I would like to eat in the three season room if that's ok with you. The night is too nice to pass up." I looked to Bella who had stiffened slightly at Edward's tone. Leaning over her shoulder, I whispered into her ear.
"Has he been behaving himself? Did he listen to all of your commands or did you need to punish him?" I dropped my voice down into a sultry whisper, letting my hot breath fan over her neck. I could see the artery pulse just beneath the surface just a little faster at my proximity. Tonight would be a night of subtle flirting and getting beneath Edward's skin.
"Yes.... Yes Jasper, Edward has for the most part been exemplary. Wednesday, he was out for lunch with Emmett and then the other night we had dinner with his whole family. He was not keen on going but I told him that it was my decision to go so we went."
Bella turned slightly so that she was partially facing me, her breasts brushing my arm. She moved back right away, so I knew it was not intentional, but the effect on her was immediate. Her nipples tightened and pressed against the cream kimono top and she quickly turned back to the stove.
"Jasper, can you please grab the red serving dish in the cabinet above the sink, please?" Her voice was cracking as she spoke. I think I would need to turn down the sexual tension when around her or she'd end my sessions with Edward for her own peace of mind.
I was reaching up to the cupboard when Edward walked back in and stopped in the doorway. I felt a slight draft and realized that in reaching, my shirt had pulled up to show a sliver of my stomach. After handing off the serving bowl, I excused myself to use the bathroom to wash up for supper and adjust my clothing.
While in the restroom, I overheard Edward speaking to Bella. "Bells, why did he have to bring bananas? I hate bananas. Do you have any of that carrot cake left? I could just eat that while you guys have his banana baby shower dessert."
"Edward Cullen, you will not! Until you go downstairs, he is our guest, and I am in charge. You will take a small serving of his banana trifle and you will eat it. You will be polite to our guest or you'll find yourself clucking like a chicken in the middle of the hospital cafeteria on Monday and eating bananas every day from now until Jasper releases you from his care." I'd never heard Bella sound so maternal. She was chiding him as if he were her child, something he desperately needed at the moment.
I tuned out the rest of their voices as I washed my hands, drying them on a cornflower blue towel with fish prints on the edge. When I opened the door, Edward was waiting for me in the hallway, one leg bent up, his foot resting on the wall behind him. "You haven't been out in the three season room. I thought I'd show the way. Bella has the table set and waiting for us. Please, follow me."
His voice was much more respectful than before. At our last visit he was polite but there was that hard edge to his words. He was used to being the man of the house, the man of the hour in the hospital, and any dominant male brought out his own need to assert his dominance. That would be squashed quickly. There is only one man that I bow down to and that isn't for much longer.
Dinner was amazing and I made certain to tell Bella that often. I prided Edward once, simply, on his kabobs and smiled to myself when he seemed put out that I so highly praised Bella's stew. He would have to work for my praise from this point forward. Bella had poured us all a large glass of iced tea to have with our dinner so I had to hope that her tablecloth would not stain after I coughed tea all over it when she spoke next.
"Jasper, how was Dr. Grayson? I saw her this morning at work and she commented on seeing you the other evening." That statement of course being the one to cause the choking.
Tally was waiting for me on the top step leading to my front door. Her coppery skin was shining against the pale peach dress she wore, a white sweater over her shoulders. As I put the key into the lock to let us in, I slid my free hand up her thigh and into her already moist pussy. She let out a slight whimper but otherwise held her position.
We crossed the threshold into my home, an awkward walk with my fingers still buried within her. I tossed my keys into the basket atop the half wall divider and kicked off my shoes. I removed my hand and after I took a quick taste, she opened her mouth to suck my fingers clean.
"Strip." I pulled off my jacket and shirt, unbuckled my belt but left my pants on for the moment. Talia pulled her dress up over head and folded it carefully onto the chair, setting all of her jewelry save my ring upon her clothing. Here, she was mine, her marriage had no place in my home. Once naked, she knelt by my feet awaiting further commands.
"Open it with your mouth." I smirked as her eyes glazed over with lust and her lips went to the button of my slacks, her lips and tongue working the button through the hole. Her teeth grabbed onto the zipper and slowly released my hardening cock to the air. I never wore underwear unless I was going to the gym or wearing those very thin cream slacks. Those required an extra layer of fabric between my skin and everyone's eyes.
The moment she saw my cock, Talia's mouth parted, her eyes on mine waiting for my approval. I stroked her cheek and nodded, giving her the go ahead to pleasure me. We'd been together long enough that she knew what I liked and required less orders during the act. Her lips were painted a dark burgundy and left a faint trail as her head bobbed up and down my length.
Talia's cheeks were hollow as she maintained a level of suction, her tongue teasing my cock as I used fistfuls of her hair to guide her timing. She kept those sinful brown eyes locked on mine, her lashes curled delicately. I pulled her head back and she adjusted her mouth so that her teeth did no more than graze my shaft. I released my hold and she took my cock in until I nudged her throat, her lips around the base. She tried to swallow around me and I withdrew quickly, not quite ready to come.
Her eyes went back to the space between her hands and my feet. I brushed my hand through her hair and moved to let my pants fall down. I walked slowly through the room, reveling in my tactile senses. With the sun down, the room would quickly gain a chill, beginning with the hardwood flooring beneath my feet.
I turned to look at Talia, her head was still bowed properly. "Come here, Tally." She crawled quickly and stopped by my side. I walked and she kept up with me, only stopping when we reached the carpet of my playroom. She sat back on her heels and waited to be invited into the room. I waved her in, admiring the teasing view I had of her charms.
Talia was recently shaved, or possibly waxed, and smooth for as far as the eye could see. I had to have her. I had to taste her.
"Stop." Talia immediately stopped, freezing in place. "Good girl. I want your chin on the floor."
I stroked Talia's back from the base of her neck down to her tail bone and delighted when she shivered. "You stopped your pills, correct?" She nodded in response. "Wait here."
I walked to the bathroom where I kept a supply of condoms. Now that Talia and Aaron were trying for children I would not risk her bringing my child into this world. She had asked my permission for them to have children; I felt honored that she'd asked despite it being outside of our realm. It would effect how demanding I was with her or how hard I took her, I still would, even with her body round with child. I would however, give her several months post-partum to recover before even asking time of her.
Like I'd demanded, she was still in position when I returned, my cock now encased in black latex. I gave myself a hard stroke and knelt behind her. She trembled as my fingers stroked her pussy, the wetness beginning to seep onto her lips. There was not a stray hair anywhere and she was smooth as silk. Waxed. She pleases me, always.
I inserted two fingers and pressed down, aiming for her g spot. I massaged it repeatedly, waiting until her hips began to pull away and Talia could no longer contain her moans. My fingers spread wide, scissoring her open and I slid my cock into her between my fingers.
"Talia was just fine, thank you Bella. She was free Tuesday after I left here so we scheduled an impromptu appointment." Edward sat a little straighter, his jaw tightening. "Is something wrong, Edward?" I lifted my eyebrows and tilted my head to the side. I was not going to let him slide by.
"I didn't know you were in the habit of doing house calls for everyone." I inwardly smirked. Cocky little bastard is showing some signs of jealousy. He enjoys being my only special patient. Perhaps I could pander to his wishes, a little give and take.
"Oh, Dr. Grayson isn't my patient. I've known Talia for around three years and often meet with her or with both Aaron and Talia for dinner. Sadly I hadn't seen Talia in a few weeks and missed her company." Edward seemed to have relaxed slightly although he was still showing signs of annoyance. I had more than a slight suspicion that most of it was being directed at himself.
"Your girlfriend doesn't mind you spending time with beautiful women that you happen to work with?" Bella was speaking with her lips still hovering over her drinking glass.
"I am single. There's only one woman that will ever hold my heart and well, my hours away from her did not suit our relationship so I will settle for her friendship and being content with my work." It is true. While I may take on female subs and be quite fond of them, I will never love them the way I love Alice. She is my soul mate as much as anyone may ever be; my heart is forever hers. If she and Laurent ever would part, perhaps then she and I could try again. We've both grown so much. No, as long as I am at Aro's beck and call, she'll never be happy with me.
When Eleazar had finally found the method to stop my flashbacks from occurring on a daily basis, we began discussing his plans for the future, his future without Aro. My part in those plans was entirely too pleasurable for my own good but for ceasing the constant memories drowning me, I would give him anything. He held the leash for my invisible collar. His name was inscribed on the ring no eye could see.
After dinner and dessert, which had Bella begging for my recipe and settling on me coming over some weekend afternoon to show her how to make it, Edward and I retired to the basement room once more.
"Edward, how have the past few days been for you? Any more panic attacks? You seemed fairly well adjusted when we ran into one another at lunch." Well adjusted but hyper aware of every movement I made, that is.
"No. I have been working on releasing control as you asked. Just riding things out seems to help." True, when Bella told him to clear the table his eyes flashed with anger but he did as requested.
"Do you normally clear up the dinner dishes for Bella?" I was still standing while Edward sat on the couch.
"Yes, but she normally just asks me to help. She never told me to do anything before you came around." I turned my face and busied myself with my backpack while he sulked.
"And your stress levels the past few days? Have they improved?" Edward's eyes slightly narrowed and I could see him chewing on his cheek.
"Some I guess. I've been trying to let go of all the guilt like you asked. Learning to live without stress is something else. I guess I like the adrenaline rush, the pressure." Edward was still watching me so I nodded to let him know I was listening.
"You're a doctor, I don't need to tell you what prolonged stress will do to your body. What I will do is show you one of my methods of coping. A few years ago, I was in a mindset similar to yours. I went from therapist to therapist to find something, someone who could help me. Eventually I met up with an old acquaintance who gave me several techniques which ended my flashbacks and my constant tension." I looked at his clothing, a pair of nice jeans and a heavy cotton dress shirt. Time to see some of what you're hiding.
Edward watched me, frozen in place, while I pulled off my shirt. Tonight we would start with a few tastes of my dominant side. "Take your shirt off, Edward." He paused for a moment so I tilted my head and stared him down. My lips curved up into a smile when he reached for his buttons.
I turned away as he undressed and settled my iPod into his stereo system, selecting a trance and electronica mix for working out. "The best way I've found to relieve stress is to increase endorphin production is exercise. Well, second best. Sex is my number one choice. You and Bella are having sex, yes?"
"Umm... yeah. Since the... uh.. accident we hadn't done anything until the past week. I guess you are helping me feel better already. I went out of the house as you saw, but I also haven't been staying in bed feeling sorry for myself."
"Very good, Edward. Maybe we will be able to start discussing rewards soon enough. I proud of the progress you have made so far. I will however, begin working you harder. Just know that while I would never harm you or cause you pain, some treatment will push you past your comfort levels. I can read you pretty well already and will know when you've had enough. You will be eased in as well as I can. I want to help you first and foremost."
Edward smiled at my praise. He would need a lot of it as we progressed if I was to have him in top form compared to other subs I've trained. Perhaps he would even outshine Isabel. Eleazar and I have her working with Aro along with Emily getting us an insider view of life inside the Italy offices. Thoughts of them both curled around both Edward and myself in one bed had to be quickly shoved my from my mind.
"Now that your shirt is off, drop down on the ground. Don't worry. I'll be doing this with you. I hold myself to the same standards I do for you." I pushed play and sat down beside him. I did a few stretches and bid him to perform them as well. The recessed lighting made his pale chest seem even more sculpted, his body still lean despite weeks of poor treatment. Clamps.. He would look so nice with some weighted nipple clamps hanging from his chest. Perhaps get one with small chain from which I could string beads. Mmmm yes. A beaded chain and some gauze harem pants.
"You enjoy keeping in shape, yes?" Edward smiled, his lips partially in a smirk. He knew that he looked good. "Now, we'll start you working out because it makes you feel good, not just to stay in good shape. The endorphin levels produced in a good workout ... well, you know about that from med school so I don't need to go into it. Push ups, hmm you're in good condition so... give me fifty. Try and keep up."
I blocked Edward out and focused on the rug pattern beneath me as I did push up after push up, relishing the burn in my arms after I hit forty. Turning my head, I could see him sweating it out, his arms slightly shaking. His was a body groomed on weight machines with trainers, not basic training in the army and a lifetime regimen of push ups, running, and free weights.
I finished counting out my fifty and brought my knees up to my chest and rocked back onto my feet. Grabbing two hand towels from my bag, I watched as Edward finished and climbed to his feet. I tossed him one. His eyes were on me so I kept my eyes slightly down turned and stretched to my full height, letting my pecs and abs flex as I wiped the towel down my chest slowly. I was careful to not give him a close look at my shoulders or back. Those were questions I was not quite ready to answer for him.
Edward's breath caught as I swept the towel across my stomach, catching every last glint of sweat that had formed. I could tell he was watching me so I increased the show, turning slightly so that my muscles tensed. When I finished wiping my chest I dried my back before raising my eyes to meet his. Do I wink, letting him know I saw him watching? No, I don't want to scare him off. I'm here to help, not flirt. I can't confuse him too much.
We sat down, still shirtless. I watched as he pulled his undershirt back on before slipping his arms through the sleeves in his button up, leaving it undone. I hadn't told him he could redress, but I would let it slide since he had complied with my other demands of the evening. I pulled my own shirt overhead.
"You return to work soon, don't you?"
"Yeah, another week off and then I'm expected back in my scrubs." After he finished speaking, Edward began to study his finger nails.
"Do you feel that you're ready for going back into surgery? I can take you out as long as you feel necessary." Edward looked up at me and for the briefest moment, I saw the scared little boy inside the man. "What is it, Edward? What is breaking through your desire to help people? Find it and trace it back to the roots of the problem."
He sat still as a stone, his eyes closed and face devoid of emotion. Edward could have been a mannequin for all that he showed. His breathing became slow and even as he walked himself through what parts of Tuesday's exercise we'd gone through. When his eyes opened, they had lost their mask of control.
"I'm scared of going back into work. I'm scared of going to work because I might touch a patient and hurt him or her. I don't want to ever hurt anyone." His eyes closed and then rapidly blinked open and closed a few times.
I reached forward and gently took his hand in mine, placing it on my chest. "You're not hurting me."
Edward's eyes opened and met mine, his slightly teared up green versus my clear blue. The heat of his hand burned through my shirt, warming my skin. He left his hand on my chest for a few moments even after I'd let go.
Bella came down after washing the dishes and I showed her and Edward some stretches they could do together. Edward most enjoyed having Bella sit between his legs, facing him, their hands grasping each others wrists. They then leaned backwards, stretching out their arms and backs while maintaining a connection.
When they finished and Edward went to use the restroom and refill his water bottle, I pulled Bella aside. "Bella, you can also use that position without clothing while you sit in his lap. I recommend you use the floor or sit in the very middle of a large bed to keep from falling." She blushed and looked away at my sexual advice but I had a feeling she'd use it the next time she had Edward in bed.
Edward came back out from the small basement bathroom, his head tipped back as he drank his water.
The clock was over his head in the doorway and I could see that it was getting late.
"Edward, I want you work out every day. Do anything that gets your heart rate up and makes you feel better. If you want to go to the gym, that's fine, but you can get just as good of a workout at home. I'd like you to do this every day for the duration of our treatment sessions. There is no set time amount so if your head is clear after just ten minutes, you can stop. We're not doing this for any muscle build up or definition. I want you to feel better. This is for the endorphin release. Honestly, if you want to have rigorous sex every night and Bella agrees, that is fine with me. I'd rather you mix it up a bit, go for a run, do push ups, otherwise do as you wish as long as you're exercising."
Edward nodded and looked to Bella, wiggling his eyebrows at her. She blushed and let out a small giggle. I smiled at both of them and Edward turned to me with a small smile of his own.
"Edward, I would like to go through one more technique before I leave to let the two of you start your weekend. Let's get comfortable on the floor. Bella, why don't you sit on the couch near Edward. I need you to be quiet but you can stay down here."
We took our places on the floor and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath as I centered myself. "Edward, I want you to close your eyes and completely relax. Now I want you to walk yourself through your surgery prep. Think of opening the door, washing up, the nurses helping you into your gloves. Think of the smells of the operating room. Do those bother you?"
I opened my eyes to see Edward shake his head slowly side to side. His eyes were moving around behind his lids as if dreaming or looking around at a room only he could see.
"Walk into the O.R. See your tools, your instruments, upon the tray. Can you smell the betadine your nurse used to prep the patient?" Edward nodded, so I continued with my guided imagery. "Think of your first surgery and the thrill it sent you when you saved a life. Now of something more unpleasant, think of losing your first patient." Edward's face paled so I reached for his hands. He flinched at first but let me take his hands into my own.
"Edward, I'm here, those memories can't hurt you. Bella is here too. We're not going to let anything happen to you. I want you to think of when you go back to work. Can you see yourself driving to work that morning? The sun will rise as you come up into the city off the highway. I can arrange to come in early that morning too if you want to have breakfast in the cafeteria together. Bella will be in your father's office. Everyone who supports you will be there to lend you strength. Lean on us and let us help you."
Bella had silent tears running down her cheeks, a tissue fisted in her hands as she watched us. "Edward, I want you walk through those doors with power. You are going to command the room once more. It is your orchestra and you are the director. In this, you are not the songwriter. You cannot change what has been written, but you can work with what you're given. Allow your gifts to shine."
"Fear is in your head." I broke our grasp and caressed my fingers over his temples. His breathing quickened and he gave me a faint smile. When he exhaled I could smell my cologne carried over to me. "Fear is in your heart." I placed both hands upon his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath my fingers.
Edward snorted as I told him that fear was in his heart, mumbling "whatever" under his breath. I stood up quickly and felt the gentle side of my nature bury beneath my dominance. If he wanted to play, we'd play.
"We're going for a run." Edward's eyes opened and he sat there looking at me.
"What?"
"You heard me. We're going for a run, now."
We ran a mile and I finally slowed down to a walk as I cooled down. That he even followed me was promising. He was sweating profusely and breathing hard. Edward was not used to working like this even when he was on his feet daily. His life was not like mine. I stopped in front of a small community garden.
"What were you thinking of as we ran?"
Edward stuttered a bit, trying to form his answer. Eventually his eyes met my own and he responded. "That I wanted to run faster than you."
"Why?" Edward shrugged.
"I guess because I wanted to win." He gave me a small smile, expecting it to dazzle me to agree with him. If he thought I was running fast now, he knew nothing. I was pacing to only stay a few feet ahead of him.
"This wasn't a race. I told you we were running, that is all." His look was pure insolence at this point. He hated to be reprimanded. I wonder if he'd hate my whip as well? "Remember those rewards you wanted? Well, when you can go a week without questioning me or second guessing what I want, I might have something for you."
Edward's face lit up, his smile brighter than the street light above us. "However, getting to your reward will most likely involve you taking orders that you will most likely want to decline. I want you at my house tomorrow night. We're going to take another run. If you have other plans, change them. I want you at my house at dusk." Edward nodded, his breathing finally resuming a normal pace and depth.
"Now run home. I want you to win. If you win, I'll go easy on you tomorrow night." I took off at a jog, waiting until Edward began running and was a few paces ahead of me. My legs were itching for a good run so I sped up into a sprint, my body flying through the night air. I passed by him easily and was at his home a full two minutes before he came up to me, panting.
"I wanted you to win. I expected better from you, Edward. I'm disappointed."
A/N Review and fiberkitty will send you a sneak peek of the next chapter. Perhaps something naughty???