Disclaimer: We still don't own Twilight...*this is where I'm supposed to say something funny/creative/interesting that we do own, but I can think of NOTHING* -JK's brain is fried. Thank the good Lord that it's Friday. Now, onto the chapter!
Fit for Purpose - This means that the good or service is good enough to do the job it was designed to do.
Chapter 7
BPOV
After washing and drying my hands in the ladies' room, I step out into the small hallway that separates the restrooms from the dining area of the restaurant. Just as I'm about to start walking back to the table, I hear the men's room door open. I don't know why I turn to look back at the door but, when I do, I can't help but laugh.
Out steps Jasper Whitlock in a huge cloud of cigarette smoke. Looking like the cat that ate the canary, he smiles at me and pops a mint into his mouth.
"You don't really think that one little tic tac is going to make your ashtray smell go away, do you?"
"No, but it gives the illusion that I care enough to try."
Wow! You really don't want to be here," I state. "I just thought you were bored with the dinner talk, but it's clear you have no interest your company's future."
"One hour into our meal and you already have me pegged as a spoiled brat who doesn't want to work a day in his life, right?" Jasper's eyebrows are raised in amusement but I sense I've hit a nerve.
"You really aren't hard to figure out, Mr. Whitlock. You played with your food instead of eating it; you kept quiet instead of helping your grandfather defend your family's company against a buyout from Edward; and then, you sneak off to the bathroom for a cigarette instead of going outside like everyone else. Those things tell me a lot about your character. I can also see by the holes in your lobes that you thought enough to remove your earrings before dinner. That was very considerate to your grandfather but I wonder, just how many tattoos are you hiding under that expensive suit?"
"I'm impressed with your observations."
"Well, I know how to read people, especially men. It's my job."
"Why, Miss Swan, are you flirting with me?"
"Not at all. I'm just making conversation."
Mmmm hmmmm." Jasper steps closer to me before declaring, "Just so you know, you're wrong about me."
"Oh, really?"
"I do live a very privileged lifestyle but I don't take it for granted. I have no interest in running a company that was meant to go to my father before he died. I'm very much hoping that Mr. Cullen buys the company so that I can start a business that I'm passionate about."
When I don't reply, he continues. "As far as why I chose to defile the men's room with my smoking, I was trying to avoid a waitress who works here and thinks I'm her big meal ticket. She would've followed me outside and I'd have to turn her down, obviously breaking her heart. So, you see, I'm not selfish or spoiled at all." His smile attempts to be innocent but I don't fall for his bullshit.
"And, lastly, there are four tats under my suit and I'll show them to you anytime you want."
I can't help but laugh at his attempt at flirting. I have no doubt Jasper doesn't usually fail at picking women up and, to be honest, I find him charming. His flirting is completely empty and he knows he has no chance with me.
"I'm sure your date and my grandfather are wondering what is taking us so long. We'd better head back before they send out a search party. Mr. Cullen is already pissed off at his friend. I'd hate for him to turn his wrath on you or, worse, me," he says, winking at me.
"I'm not worried; Edward is a teddy bear." Lie.
"Yeah, a teddy bear with anger issues," he quips.
Laughter tries to bubble its way out of my mouth as I approach my seat. When Edward looks at me with fury in his eyes, I quickly compose myself and sit down.
The rest of our dinner is filled with tension thanks to JW Whitlock, James, and now me, I guess. I'm relieved when Edward pays the check and helps me out of my chair so we can leave.
When we walk outside, Edward pulls out his phone, texting McCarty to tell him that we're ready to leave, before turning to tell the Whitlock men good-bye. JW nods at me with a polite smile while Jasper gives me a wave of his hand, telling me he hopes to see me again.
Edward doesn't miss the interaction and I swear I hear a growl rumble in his chest when he walks closer to me. He grabs James by the collar of his jacket and practically drags him to a taxi parked nearby. I can't hear what Edward is telling him but James looks scared shitless. Edward opens the cab door and shoves James inside before throwing a few bills through the driver's open window.
I should probably be worried about how Edward will act toward me but I'm not. Instead, I'm turned on. I know that he isn't happy with me at the moment, but I don't know him well enough to predict whether or not he'll hurt me. I panic for a second when the thought of him firing me tonight enters my mind. I definitely don't want that to happen, so I'm going to have to take extra good care of him. Just the thought of Edward fucking me while angry sends a thrill straight to my core.
I wonder if he'd be opposed to car sex.
McCarty pulls up to the curb and Edward quickly guides me inside; his anger nearly cracking through his gentlemanly exterior.
The drive back to the hotel is quiet but filled with the greatest amount of sexual tension I've ever experienced. I want to touch Edward so badly. I notice his fingers twitching over in my direction but he keeps them on his side.
"So, how do you think the meeting went?" I attempt to make conversation when the silence becomes too much to bear.
Edward scoffs before answering. "It was a fucking disaster, Bella! James was a complete embarrassment, JW is a stubborn old man and his grandson couldn't care any less about anything we discussed. Then, there's you."
"Me? What did I do?"
He looks at me incredulously.
"Don't play coy with me, Bella. I saw you talking and flirting with Jasper. Were you already lining up your next job? It shouldn't be a surprise to you that I do not like sharing."
I should be pissed at his accusations, but his jealousy only serves to drench my panties further.
"I'll have you know, Mr. Cullen, that I don't overbook my clients; I was simply having a conversation with Jasper - not flirting."
Seeming to believe me, he turns his attention to the scenery outside the window, remaining quiet until we pull up to the hotel. Once we're inside the building, he grabs my hand and leads me to the elevator. The same evening attendant is there, smiling politely as we step inside. Edward, though, is not polite.
"You. Get out! Now!"
"But, Mr. Cullen, it's my job to escort you to your penthouse."
"Consider yourself relieved of your duties for the evening. Now, leave!"
There's no mistaking the power in Edward's voice and the poor attendant barely makes it out of the elevator without tripping all over himself.
"What the hell was that all about?" I ask, as Edward closes the elevator doors and pushes the button for the penthouse.
"Bella, I'm quite angry right now and I expect you to help me relieve this anger."
My nipples harden at his words and I lick my suddenly dry lips. "I'll do whatever you want me to."
His eyes find mine and the look he gives me nearly takes my breath away.
"I don't want to hurt you but I'm going to fuck you hard. More than once. You have to promise to stop me if I get too rough. Do you understand?"
I can only nod my head 'yes'.
"Good. Now, come here."
I step toward him and he grabs me, quickly pushing my back against the mirrored wall of the elevator. He wraps his hand around my jaw and, for a second, I think he's going to kiss me. No kissing is a rule of both of ours, but I want him to break it so fucking badly right now. I want to feel his mouth on mine. What is it about this man that makes me want to abandon all reason with just one touch?
Instead of kissing me, Edward plunges his thumb in my mouth. I never break eye-contact with him, sucking it just like I'd do his dick if he'd let me.
Edward curses under his breath before hitching my leg up and wrapping it around his waist. I immediately start moving my hips, silently begging for friction.
The elevator arrives at the penthouse and the doors open. "Hold onto me, Bella," he says, bracing his hand against the button that will keep the doors open and the elevator in place. With his free hand, he rips my panties from my body and I marvel at his strength. My body quivers in anticipation, ready for him to use that strength on me.
I feel his fingers coat themselves in my wetness before sliding inside me. "Always so fucking ready for me," he growls, plunging deeper and speeding up his pace.
I gasp, "You! Only for you!"
He attacks my neck with his mouth; I feel his tongue licking me, the tingling sensation makes my eyes roll back in my head. His teeth barely make contact with my skin before he pulls his mouth away. I'm disappointed by his movement. I want him to bite me, mark me; make me his.
I can't focus on the thoughts running rampant in my mind because my body is heating up with every push of his fingers. Edward grinds the heel of his hand on my clit and I see spots as my orgasm rocks me to my core.
Not allowing me any time to recover, he pulls his fingers out, grabs my arm and takes me into the penthouse. Edward walks me to the back of the couch before unzipping and sliding my dress down my body.
"Leave your shoes on!" he demands.
My bra is gone in an instant and when I feel his fingers pinch and pull at my nipples from behind, I almost come again. I hear a rustling behind me and I know Edward is undressing. I sneak a peek at him over my shoulder and, I swear, I'll never get used to seeing his naked perfection.
I feel his mouth burn a trail of delicious fire as he kisses down my spine. I automatically bend over the sofa, ready for him.
Edward sheaths himself before running his hands over my ass, whispering words of admiration. He rubs his cock up and down my slit once, twice, before slamming into me, making me cry out.
"Too much?" he grunts out.
"No," I pant. "More! I need more!"
"Fuck!" he groans through clenched teeth. One of his hands is pressing down just under my spine while the other grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls. I feel like I could pass out from the intense mixture of pain and pleasure and I'm not even close to an orgasm yet. From this angle, Edward's cock reaches farther than any other man's ever has; from this moment on, I know I'm ruined for anyone else.
He lets go of my hair so that he can hold onto my hips with both hands while pumping into me at an increasing speed. That familiar burning that I will always crave inches its way over my entire body; I brace myself on the couch frame, ready to let go.
The sounds coming from Edward's mouth are primal and beautiful. His fingers dig into my hips as he leans back, hitting that elusive spot inside of me and pushing me over the edge. I scream out, completely losing control of my body's movements. When I feel Edward tense up and begin twitching, it triggers yet another orgasm.
He must know that I have lost the ability to move my body because, once I've calmed down and my breathing is back to normal, he pulls out of me, immediately picking me up and cradling me in his arms. He carries me into the bathroom and turns on the water to the tub. There are no words spoken between us, just Edward placing soft kisses to my hair, as he holds me. When the bath is ready, he lowers me into the water before turning and cleaning himself off. He grabs a soft washcloth, covers it with soap, and starts massaging my body with soothing motions. I watch him as he bathes me. His eyes never leave his task, but I see many emotions cover his face. I just wish I knew what they meant.
He stops his hand and lets out a soft gasp when he reaches my hips. I tear my eyes away from his mouth and look down, seeing purple spots on my skin that are the perfect match of Edward's fingertips. I place my hands on his face and turn it toward me.
"You were supposed to stop me when I got too rough!"
"Edward, it wasn't too rough. I've never felt so good in my life, I swear it."
"That can't be true," he argues.
"You make me feel alive," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "No one else has ever made me feel that way."
He rubs a shaky finger down my cheek and I've never seen him look so vulnerable. Without another word, he lifts me from the water, wrapping me in a fluffy towel before laying me on the bed.
"Will you sleep with me?" I ask.
Sliding in the bed and covering us both with the blanket, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me to his chest.
"I can deny you nothing," I hear him whisper before sleep overtakes me.
Hours later, I wake with a start. I'm alone in a cold bed and the déjà vu I feel is unsettling. I wonder if Edward is gone like the last time I woke up in his bed.
I find a terry-cloth robe hanging in the closet and wrap it around my body before walking out of the bedroom. In the corner of the living area, sitting at a desk with his laptop and only a single lamp lit, is Edward.
Before I reach him, he looks over at me and asks, "Is everything okay?"
I nod my head before speaking, timidly sitting in a plush chair close to his desk. "You're here."
"I am. Did you think I wouldn't be?"
"You weren't here the last time I woke up in the middle of the night." I pause for a second, wondering about that night. "Where did you go that first night?" I ask.
Edward closes his laptop and faces me. "I had business to attend to."
"In the middle of the night?"
"Do you not keep late hours as well, Bella?"
Ignoring his comparison, I decide to change the subject. "So, you don't sleep and you don't eat...what is it that you actually do, Edward?"
"I buy companies that are in financial ruin and resell their parts or divisions to other companies."
"No, I meant for fun or to relax?"
"My work is fun, and it also relaxes me. When I need a release, I fuck."
I clear my throat before asking my next question because I'm not sure I want to know the answer. "Why fuck prostitutes? I know you could date anyone you wanted for free so why do you pay for it? Are you that afraid of commitment?" I try to laugh at my poor joke.
"I'm not afraid of commitment; I just don't see the need for it. I'm not a very talkative person so I don't need someone to converse with on a regular basis. Plus, I travel and work constantly, so I'm never home. My needs are purely physical, Bella. I hope you understand that."
His words sting, but they're a reminder that I'm here only to do a job. Not that I expected anything different. I think my brain is associating orgasms with feelings and I need to put an end to that right the fuck now. I'll do my job and enjoy it, but I'll enjoy the money and opportunities it gives me even more.
"Is that why you don't kiss on the mouth or perform oral sex? It's too intimate for you?"
He seems to be thinking about how to answer my question before he simply says, "Yes."
"Me, too. I mean, that's why I don't do it either. It's way too personal for just a fuck."
"Exactly. I'm finding that you and I are very similar creatures."
I don't really know if that's a good thing or not, but before I can think of a reply, I hear Edward's cell phone ring.
Quickly grabbing his phone, he answers it with a sigh. "Yes?"
He turns his body away from my direction and speaks very quietly into the phone, automatically making me suspicious. Who would be calling Edward this late at night and why is he acting so secretive? He doesn't owe me any explanations, but I still want to know. There's so much about him that I want to know. I've never known anyone like him; I can't help but be curious.
Edward's voice gets marginally louder and I see his shoulders stiffen. After he hangs up the call, he turns to me with a weary look on his face.
"That was my sister, Rose. She's on her way over."
A/Ns:
Jenny Kate: Whut whoa. Is that good or bad that Rose is coming over? *panics* I mean, is she nice? Will she like Bella? Who is she...what is she?! *bites nails*
Jiff: *shows JK our character description page* Oh, shit, it's blank! What WILL Rose be like?!
Jenny Kate: There we go, flying by the seat of our pants again! One of these days, we're gonna be pantless and then what are we gonna do?!
Jiff: I shudder at the thought. But, being pantless means easy access, right? That doesn't sound too bad...
Jenny Kate: I often go commando to save panties...you know, on days when I know there will be a lot of Rob porn.
Jiff: Truth. Why waste the money on panties when Rob is going to just melt them off anyway?
Jenny Kate: Werd. We'd just like to give a shout out to our beta and pre-reader, Sunflower FanFiction and Mauigirl60...thanks for making our words better! We also appreciate each and everyone of you who read our stories! Your support and reviews are what keep us going! THANK YOU! We show our appreciation through Rob p0rn...so, come be our friends on Facebook and Twitter - Jiffy Kate on FB and JiffyKateFanFic on Twitter (and/or TrixieandTess and JiffSimpson)