Disclaimer: We do not own Twilight, and lately, and real life has been owning our asses. Sorry it's taken us so long to update! Well, it's only been two weeks, but that's like forever for us. We promise we'll do better. Now, on with the story...

Chapter 6

(BPOV)

"Stay with me."

I hear the words come out of his mouth, but they don't register. My thoughts are in a different place, somewhere beyond this fancy hotel room. I'm lost in the way he makes me feel. He's rough, yet sensual; demanding, yet giving. Many times, with my other clients, I have to do most of the work. It's part of the job. I have to make sure that the guy gets off … that's what they pay me for. But with Mr. Cullen, it's different. He knows what he wants and he goes after it, and while doing so, he makes me feel things I've never felt before.

"Did you hear me, Bella?" he asks a few moments later.

Stay. I heard him, but I can't. I can't stay here … not with him. This is dangerous territory. Alice has pounded it in my head over and over, ever since I turned my first trick. We don't kiss and we don't get attached. I had a brief moment of weakness when we were in the shower. It was like my body was moving of its own accord, completely detached from my brain … or, at least, from the rational part of my brain. I had to bite the inside of my lip to bring myself back from the ledge, because I was a second away from breaking the cardinal rule … his and mine. I wanted to kiss his lips. I wanted to see what they felt like pressed against mine. I wanted to drink him in. Instead, I put all of that energy, desire, and need into making him feel good.

"Stay with me," he says again, much more demanding this time.

The tone of his voice goes straight to my core, and goose bumps pop up on my arms and legs. My belly flip-flops when I look down at the end of the bed and see him staring back at me. His arms are crossed over his smooth chest and I love the way the muscles of his stomach form a V-shape that fades into his hips, and straight down to his cock. Even flaccid, it's impressive. I've never been one to think of them as ugly or pretty, but if I were, I'd definitely put his into the pretty category.

"For how long?" I ask. If he just wants me to stay the night, I'd do it for free. And, just the fact that I had that thought is proof enough that I need to get the hell out of here and never look back. I don't do anything for free … that's rule #3.

"For the rest of the week."

"I can't."

"What do you mean?"

"I just can't. I...I have to work and I have things to take care of. I can't just stay here for a whole week." I sit up on the edge of the bed, feeling flustered and annoyed that he won't drop it. Scanning the room, I hardly remember even coming in here.

"I'll make it worth your while."

The way those words fall from his lips, forces me to squeeze my thighs together and close my eyes, in an effort to keep my composure...and resolve.

"I really can't," I say, partially for him and partially for myself. Glancing over my shoulder, I see his face set in a scowl. Apparently, someone's not used to not getting his way. "Besides, you wouldn't want me here all week, anyway. You're here on business, right? I'd just be in the way." I'm rambling and I know that, but he's not making this easy on me. The thought of him paying me to stay here is so tempting.

"Actually, you'd be helping me out. I have a dinner meeting tomorrow night and I don't seem to have a date."

"Mr. Cullen, you and I both know that you don't have to pay people to go out with you. I've seen the way women look at you, and they appreciate what they see. I'm a professional in the field of sex and you're quite accomplished and well endowed," I say, clearing my throat. "So, I see no reason why you need to pay me to stay the week with you and be your date."

"You just said it yourself. You're a professional, and I like having the best."

I guess, if I could somehow keep this strictly about business I could stay … maybe. I've never been offered anything like this. Alice has a couple of regulars, but I'm pretty sure she's never been with a guy more than one night in a row, at least not since I've lived with her. What would she do in this situation? I wish I could call and ask her, but that would be weird. Besides, there'd be no way for me to answer all the questions she'd throw at me with him in the room.

"I really shouldn't."

"Do you have a pimp or something? I could talk to him for you. I'm sure he would see things my way," he says, coolly.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. In case you haven't noticed, money is a universal language … something we all understand."

"Well, I don't have a pimp. I'm my own boss."

"Then, stay with me, Bella," he says, his voice dropping an octave, almost pleading.

Suddenly his phone rings in the other room. I can tell by the way his eyes bore into mine that he doesn't want to leave this conversation, but after the fifth ring, he concedes.

"Excuse me," he says abruptly, giving me a reprieve, if even for a moment, and a chance to gather my thoughts.

I want to go into the other room where he is and grab my phone to call or text Alice, but now that he's in there, I can't. I would use the landline in the bedroom, but I'm guessing it's the same line he's talking on. So, I'm stuck.

His gruff voice travels into the bedroom and I try not to eavesdrop on his phone call, but I can't help it when I hear a certain name coming from his mouth.

"James!"

It's all I need to hear to be off the bed and at the edge of the doorframe listening intently. It could be any James, right? Just because he says the name 'James' it doesn't mean he's referring to the James. The James I've been trying to hook up with for the past two months. The James I thought I was getting into the car with the first night I met Mr. Cullen; the James who would make Jake and Garrett very happy.

My stomach is in my throat and my heart is beating rapidly. Adrenaline rushes through my body. I almost feel like I can hear it in waves, gushing in my ears. I swallow deeply and try to breathe evenly...in through my nose and out my mouth. The relaxation tips from Alice's stupid yoga shit are totally paying off.

Garrett and Jake always say that you can't show fear and to always keep a calm exterior. Don't do anything that would tip off the target...or the person who can lead you to said target, I think to myself, as I peer around the door frame, catching a glimpse of Mr. Cullen's naked body pacing in front of the large, oak desk. He looks like Adonis.

This man is nothing short of a Greek god, and he wants to pay me to stay a whole week with him. A whole week of orgasms, a whole week of staring at an exquisite piece of art, probably the closest I'll ever get to one. Who am I to turn that down? This is probably the best offer I'll ever get ... a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If this business and lifestyle have taught me nothing else, it's that you have to seize the moment. No one is guaranteed tomorrow...or their next trick...or their next meal. This proposition could mean rent and meals for the next year for me and Alice. We could both take some time off to try to find a different line of work or at least enroll in some courses at the community college. It's like I've been granted some sort of grant or loan. I would be stupid to turn it down.

Especially now. What if he's my link to James? That would make the whole deal even sweeter. It would make everyone happy.

His voice rises as he slams a fist on the oak desk, and I swear I hear the strong wood creak and moan. The sound makes me let out a squeal, and I quickly cover my mouth with both hands, running back to the bed.

Now my heart is beating fast for a completely different reason. And the gushing in my ears is back from the adrenaline coursing through my body.

Anything is tolerable for a week. I've put up with a lot of shit in my life; this would be child's play.

Mr. Cullen storms back into the room and stands before me, and it's obvious that he's not ashamed of his nakedness. I, on the other hand, am having a hard time deciding where to keep my eyes. There are just so many beautiful choices: his semi-erect cock is undeniable, while his abdominal muscles look like they were carved by Michelangelo. My eyes slowly trail over his chiseled jawline that is covered by the perfect amount of scruff, before finally deciding to settle on Mr. Cullen's unusually-colored eyes.

"Bella." He looks at me expectantly and I notice how his jaw muscles are twitching in aggravation. Why that's such a turn-on, I have no idea. "Yes or no. Will you stay the week with me?"

I take a deep breath and pretend to think about my answer. I already know how I'll answer. I knew the second he told me to stay with him.

"Yes."

He looks like he is about to thank me when I interrupt him. "On one condition."

His smile automatically changes back to the scowl he was wearing moments ago when he asks, "What is this 'one condition'?"

"You have to tell me your first name."

~~~~~~~~BD~~~~~~~~

"You're staying with him for an entire week?! Oh, my God, Bella! He'd better be paying you a shit-load of money for this!"

"Alice, get a grip! You're squealing so loudly that only dogs can hear you now!"

"Sorry!" My best friend takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out before speaking again. "Okay, I'm fine now."

I eye her suspiciously and give her a few more seconds to control herself before I believe she's really okay. Mr. Cullen, I mean, Edward, sent me out with a stack of cash this morning to buy some clothes for our week together. I am to purchase 'appropriate clothing' for various social events we're to attend this week in addition to 'normal' everyday outfits that do not lead people to suspect my profession. I also plan on buying a few items that make it clear exactly what my profession is but those will be for Edward's eyes only.

I thought shopping would be the perfect opportunity to break the news about my arrangement with Edward to Alice, but after her not-so-subtle reaction just now, I'm having second thoughts. Thank goodness we weren't in a fancy store when she started screaming and jumping up and down; we would've been kicked out for sure.

"Yes, Alice, I'm spending the week with Edward and he's rewarding me handsomely."

"Wow, one full day with the man and you're already talking all sophisticated. I always knew you were too good for hooking."

I nudge her with my shoulder, making her stumble a few steps. "Shut up! I'm not too good for anything and this is just a job, Alice, nothing more, nothing less. I promise." I feel a twisting sensation in my stomach when the words leave my mouth, but I know they're true. It won't do me any good to think that spending the week with Edward will be my ticket out of the streets; I'll only end up disappointed … disappointed in myself for thinking I deserve better.

"Just help me find some clothes," I tell her, trying to distract myself. This is my life. Well, not this very second. Being here in this high-end dress shop is not my life, but working the streets is. It's what my mother did and it's all I know how to do. Sure, I could go work for minimum wage at some fast food joint, but where would that get me? It wouldn't pay my rent, that's for sure.

As sad as it is, in one hour, I can make what people working minimum wage make in two days. It's not cheap living in Seattle, even in the dumpy apartment we rent. It takes Alice and me both hooking our asses off to make ends meet, and even then we come up short. It often feels like a dead-end street, like we'll never get ahead and find a way out of here.

That's really why I took Edward's offer … that's why I do everything I do. I do it for myself and I do it for Alice. With the money I'm going to make this week, I can start working on getting us off the streets. As badly as I want to find a new life for myself, I could never leave Alice. She often feels like she's taking care of me, but I feel the same about her. We need each other. The streets are way too dangerous for no one to have your back.

Then there is James, the other reason for staying with Edward. I still don't have any more information about him, but I have a gut feeling about this. It's worth digging into, but I've decided not to say anything to Jake or Garrett until I at least have a last name. I don't want to get their hopes up. Regardless, I'll have to call them in the next day or so. If I don't, they'll be calling me.

"Hello, earth to Bella!" Alice is standing in front of me snapping her fingers, as I stare blankly at a black dress that somehow appeared in my hands.

"Where did you go?" she asks me, leaning on the shelf beside her.

"I don't know," I answer, breathing out deeply. "I guess somewhere in la-la land."

"Hey, B, don't do that, okay? Don't go getting your hopes up dreaming about Prince Charming and shit, because it's all fairy-tales. That shit doesn't really happen. You and I both know what real life is like … it sucks and it's not fair," she says bluntly, making sharp hand gestures.

I know what she's saying is true and I'm not going to go there. I refuse to let myself get caught up in some fantasy world.

"I'm good, Al. Honestly. My head is in the right place. It's all about the paycheck … a very big paycheck," I say, waggling my eyebrows, trying to make light of the situation. "And, I'm gonna buy you somethin' real nice."

"Well, I'm not putting out," she deadpans.

"Not even for shoes?" I ask, in a sing-song voice.

"Ok, maybe for shoes."

We both laugh, drawing more attention to ourselves, but not really giving a shit, because we're shopping and we actually have money to buy stuff. It's a good day.

Forgetting about dreams and fairy-tales and Prince Charming, we literally shop until we drop.

~~~~~~~~BD~~~~~~~~

After making sure Alice is safely on the bus that will take her back home, I start walking to Edward's hotel. I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything that has happened in the past 24 hours. First, Edward waited for me while I was with a client, then he took me back to his suite and asked me to stay all week. I was even more surprised when I woke up this morning to find a huge wad of cash on the nightstand by the bed, along with a note telling me to go shopping.

I've never gone on a shopping spree like I did today. People waiting on me hand and foot, making sure I am satisfied at all times...it was like a complete role reversal for me. Unfortunately, I liked it. I mentally scold myself for getting caught up in the moment again and focus on getting to the hotel. I feel a little more comfortable walking around this part of town now that I have clothes that don't scream 'I fuck for money', but I still know that I don't belong here. I just have to pretend that I do for a few days and then I can go back to what's comfortable: cheap clothes, cheap apartments, and cheap tricks.

The hotel doorman holds the door open for me while I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders, and lift my head up high. I give him a polite smile and say "thank you" before walking inside.

Come on, Bella, you can do this.

This place looks so different in the daylight hours, everything shines and I feel very exposed. My fake confidence leads me close to the elevators when I hear a voice call out.

"Miss! Miss, wait, please!"

Thinking that there is no way anyone here could be yelling for me, I keep walking. But as I hear footstep grow closer, I turn around anyway and see an older man coming toward me. He's doing a half-walk, half-run in my direction, as he tries to keep his manners about him.

"Are you Miss Isabella?' he asks in between panting breaths.

I'm about to tell him 'no' when a recent memory quickly floods my mind. After I accepted Edward's offer to stay the week with him and he'd told me his first name, he asked if Bella was my real name. I told him it was but that it was short for Isabella, a name that's only on my birth certificate as a way to get my grandmother to accept my mother and me back into her good graces. When the ploy failed, Renee, my mother, began calling me 'Bella' but she never did change my birth certificate. Edward said he liked Isabella and that he would prefer to call me by that name when we were socializing throughout the week.

I nervously look around the room to make sure no one's paying attention to us. Thankfully, the lobby is empty at the moment. I'm not sure if the man in front of me knows what I do for a living and is going to give me shit for tarnishing his establishment, but I don't want to cause a scene. I also don't want to embarrass Edward. The best thing I can do right now is stay calm.

"Yes, I'm Isabella," I say, making eye contact.

"Wonderful! I'm Michael Newton, General Manager here at The Four Seasons." A business card seems to magically appear in his hand and I'm surprised when he hands it to me. I'm still unsure what the man is playing at so I gingerly take the card from him, but don't look at it. I keep my eyes on his, not trusting him one bit.

"You are a guest of Mr. Cullen's, correct?"

Ah, yes, of course. He's testing me. I can play this game.

"That's correct," I simply reply.

"Excellent! I have a message for you from Mr. Cullen. He wants me to tell you that he'll be running late this evening and that he wishes for you to meet him in the bar, here in the lobby, at six o'clock, ready for your date."

I continue to look at him, waiting to see if there is more to the message, when the words Mr. Newton just spoke sink in. There is no test, no game. He really is just giving me a message from Edward and has no idea about the nature of our relationship.

I relax just a bit and smile at Mr. Newton. "Thank you very much."

"It's my pleasure, Miss Isabella. Have a wonderful evening and enjoy your stay at The Four Seasons." He gives me a professional smile before turning and walking back to the front desk.

Okay, so that wasn't as bad as I feared. I'm so used to being judged harshly that I immediately distrust people until I get to know them better. It's a typical consequence from my upbringing and profession.

Two hours later I'm sitting at the bar, sipping a glass of Pinot Grigio and waiting for my date. Even though I should be nervous or excited about having dinner in public with Edward, I find myself quite calm and relaxed. I'm sure it's because of the long, hot bath I soaked in before I started getting ready. After shaving, cleaning, and moisturizing every inch of my skin, I applied my makeup with a light hand and then styled my hair in a simple but elegant twist at the nape of my neck. I've never felt as glamorous as I did while slipping on my new lingerie and cocktail dress. The white crepe material hugs my curves in a flattering way, exactly opposite of how my usual work clothes show off my body. Completing my outfit are gold stilettos that make my legs look a mile long. I've heard the saying 'clothes make the person' many times but I didn't believe it until tonight. I feel confident, empowered, and classy. For the first time in my life, I feel like a lady.

I hear a throat clearing behind me, and when I turn around on my bar stool, I find myself staring directly into Edward's eyes. As many times as I've looked into them, I still can't figure out an exact way to describe their color. Tonight, they're a mixture of gold and green that resembles the sun fading behind a clover field. I'm momentarily lost in his gaze until I hear his voice, low but soft as suede.

"Isabella."

I try my best not to swallow loudly before answering. "Mr. Cul-, er, I mean, Edward. I'm glad you're here."

"As am I. Please accept my sincerest apologies for being late." He takes my hand and brushes his lips against my knuckles. "You truly live up to your name, Bella. You are magnificent."

At this point, I think I've forgotten how to breathe and I'm pretty sure I'm having an out-of-body experience. I somehow manage to thank him and smile before he places his hand on my lower back and motions toward the exit.

"Shall we?"

~~~~~~BD~~~~~~

I'm surrounded by beauty. Seriously, nothing ugly or unattractive is found here. The restaurant we're in is gorgeous. The same can be said for the patrons, as well as the staff. Hell, even the food is almost too pretty to eat. It's like I'm in some kind of Stepford Wives-Twilight Zone mash-up and I feel somewhat relieved as I remind myself … again ... that I only have to be in this world for a week.

Edward is easily the most beautiful person in the restaurant, but Jasper Whitlock comes in a very close second. There's something different about Jasper. He doesn't really seem like he belongs in the business world, or, maybe, it's that he doesn't want to belong. He seems very nice, not blood-thirsty, as Edward seems to be. His steel-gray suit is buttoned-up perfection, while the length of his sandy blonde hair is on the verge of rebelling this stuffy lifestyle altogether. I'd bet my next orgasm that he has a few tattoos or piercings hiding underneath his suit.

I can't say that I really understand what Edward, Jasper, and Jasper's grandfather, Mr. JW Whitlock, have been talking about all evening, but the conversation becomes heated at times. From what I gather, Edward wants to buy the Whitlock's company and Jasper is ready to sell; it's Mr. Whitlock who doesn't believe his company needs saving.

It's during our second course that we hear a loud, boisterous noise coming our way. I look up to see a man, short in stature with a slicked back ponytail, stumbling to our table with a waiter following close behind him.

"Eddie! You started without me!" The man plops himself down in the empty chair close to Edward, reeking of whiskey.

The waiter nervously turns to Edward and tries to explain. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Cullen. This man just showed up and insisted he's a member of your party. I, at first, refused to help him, but he started bothering our other patrons while looking for you. I told him I'd bring him to you, but only to see if you want him to stay. If you don't, I will personally see him out."

Edward's jaw twitches with annoyance, but he remains calm when he looks at the waiter.

"Thank you for showing him to the table. I'll make sure he sobers up and leaves quietly after our meal is finished." He waits for the waiter to walk away before turning back to the table.

"Isabella Swan, JW and Jasper Whitlock, this is my associate, James Stanley. Unfortunately, he's in no position to attend this meeting," Edward begins, before James cuts him off.

"Oh, come on, Eddie! Let me stay. I promise I'll be a good boy," James laughs as he swipes a roll from the breadbasket and shoves it in his mouth.

I'm in such shock that I don't know what to do. I had actually forgotten that James was supposed to be here with us. By the look of fury on Edward's face, though, he did not forget and won't be forgiving anytime soon.

Edward jerks James' chair closer to his so that he can talk to him quietly, giving him a stern warning, I've no doubt. I take this opportunity to make a brief getaway. I clear my throat before standing. I'm caught off guard when both Jasper and JW stand with me. I'm flattered by their manners and give them an appreciative smile. When I see Jasper wink at me, I get a crazy idea in my head.

"Oh, I'm just going to the ladies' room. I won't be gone long." I glance over at Edward and he dismisses me with a nod of his head.

I place my napkin beside my plate, grab my purse, and make a mad dash for the bathroom. There are two things I need to accomplish. One: make a very important phone call. Two: get Alice a date with Jasper Whitlock.

First things first. I take out my cell phone and quickly find the contact I need. Naturally, the call is answered on its first ring.

"Jake? Put me on speakerphone so that Garrett can hear me." When I hear Garrett say he's with us, I take a deep breath before I start talking.

"I think I got our man."

A/Ns:

Jiff: Yes, Bella, and you got your REAL man for an entire week! Enjoy it, girl!

Jenny Kate: Mmmmmm hmmmm...I bet she *enjoys* it! I know I would. So, I wonder what all of this with Jake and Garrett is about? Hmmmmm...

Jiff: I want to know how Edward is going to handle James after the little scene he made?

Jenny Kate: I hope we'll get to see an angry Edward. *bites lip* Angryward is sooooo HOTT! *swoons*

Jiff: Yes, he is! I also think this Jasper, well, just about any Jasper, is hot! Anyone else agree?

Jenny Kate: I agree! *raises hand* I love Jasper in most stories. He's usually a charmer and a gentleman...occasionally with a bad-boy streak. He's definitely hot! I think there's more to learn about this Jasper. He seems to have a little bit of mystery to him. Can't wait to find out more! ;)

Jiff: Thank you to everyone who voted for Bella Donna in last week's Fic of the Week poll on The Lemonade Stand! Guess what! This week, Crash Zone is on the poll! We'd appreciate your votes again, if you wouldn't mind. LOL!

Jenny Kate: Thanks to our beta, Sunflower Fanfiction, and our pre-reader, Mauigirl60, for all of their help!