No copyright infringement intended. I acknowledge that Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight and its characters. I just like to play with it.
Dinner was quiet. Eating was hard., under the intense stare of Edward. Every few minutes he would lift up from his chicken linguini to stare at me and smile. I pretended not to notice by keeping my eyes locked onto my salmon salad.
I was sure my face was as red as the tomatoes in my salad. Furthermore, my stomach kept churning with each bite I forced into my mouth. Yes, I say forced because the awkwardness of the silence had me ready to hightail it.
"Why so silent Miss Swan?" I poked at my salmon and rolled it around on my plate. Maybe if you stopped staring at me! "Is the meal below par? I can have it sent back if you wish."
"No, it's not that. That's not necessary. The food is delicious Mr. Cullen."
Edward smiled, "So she speaks." He chuckled. "Your voice sounds lovely. I was afraid you lost it."
All I could think was, what am I doing here? This is so awkward. I wonder if Alice and Rose were accustomed to these types of situations.
"May I ask Miss Swan, why you've barely touched your meal then?" I rolled a tomato to the side of my plate, poked a thick piece of pink salmon, and brought it up to my mouth. Edward chuckled. "I don't mean to force you to eat." I heaved a sigh still refusing to look at him. Call me stubborn, but I was just embarrassed by the whole situation.
"The food is delicious Mr. Cullen."
"Yes you've said that already," he chuckled out. "I expected you to be a bit more open, but it looks as if I'll have to draw you out." I could hear the amusement in his voice. "Have you no questions for me?" I looked up to meet his eyes and then realized my mistake of doing so. There was something in the depth of his stare that froze me. Why does he look at me like that?
He twirled some noodles onto his fork and slowly brought the bite up to his mouth never letting his eyes waver from mine. My eyes zeroed in on his lips as he chewed slowly. I watched his lips as he licked them and then they curled up. "Shall I feed you too Miss Swan?"
I laughed shamefully and looked down at my food again. Mine didn't look nearly as good as his did. "That won't be necessary Mr. Cullen. I'm sure I can manage." Apparently I liked the word necessary tonight.
"I'm sure I could too. It would be enjoyable for me."
My face heated a little, "Thank you Mr. Cullen. I'd rather do it."
Our eyes again locked on each other's. It actually hurt to look at him. He smirked at me, "I'll be honest Miss Swan. I would like to lose the formalities, it's very distant. I'd much prefer you call me Edward."
He stationed his elbow upward on the table and let his check rest in his hand.
"Can we do that Isabella?" I cleared my throat at the unexpected use of my name. However, there was something pleasing in the way my name sounded coming from his lips.
"I prefer Bella," I said picking up my untouched glass of wine and taking a large sip. My face immediately scrunched at the sour taste as I struggled to get it down. It looked much more elegant in the movies. Edward let out a loud chucked as he smirked at me. He grabbed his glass, tipped his head back and finished the little bit of wine left in his glass.
"It's an acquired taste, Bella. It's more appreciated if you take small sips and savor it, not try to gulp it."
"There's nothing to savor Mr. Cullen." Opps, I meant to say Edward.
He smirked again as he noticed, but decided to let it go. "It's actually a very expensive and elegant wine. Chateau Palmer Margaux. However it's known to have a powerful aftertaste".
I took a bite of my salad trying to drown out the taste of the sour drink. Edward picked up a bottle of wine different from the one in my glass and poured some in his empty glass. A mischievous smile spread across his lips as he swirled the wine and then took a sip.
"Hmmm," he smirked, "here, try this one," he slid the glass over to me. I looked at it with doubt. "Trust me."
That's a bold statement since this is only the first time I've met you.
His plush lips were irresistibly gorgeous. I took the glass and slowly brought it up to my lips, taking the smallest sip I could manage. It was smooth and very flavorful. Sweet almost. "Better?"
I swirled it around in the glass, savoring the taste. "I do like this one. What is it?" I laughed at myself, as if I would know the name even if he said it.
"Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Pessac Leognan." Right. My point exactly. "It consists of chocolate flavors that are very strong, producing a sweet flavor. Also very expensive."
"Hmm, interesting." Was all I could say.
"Trade? I'll be happy to finished yours." I looked at my glass and was happy to slide it over to him. He took it and sipped it. "I would love to educate you more in wines. I frequently go on wine tasting tours. It would certainly be an interesting trip to take you on. If you're interested."
I smiled a little. "I'd like that very much Edward. I'm curious what it is you do in life?"
Edward smirked at me, "a lawyer."
I coughed a little, "really." I should have guess. Aren't they all?
"Yes I'm a business and corporate lawyer. I make a nice sum." I'm sure.
"Aren't lawyers extremely busy all the time?"
He smiled, "I'll have time for you. The thing is Isabella, is that it's hard to come home to an empty place. My days can be stressful. What's worse is to come home to nothing. I've had my share of one-nighters to satisfy me for a life time. I want more."
It's Bella
"So I am to sit in your home and wait for you all day?" I raised a brow to him. That sounded awful.
"Of course not," he smiled again, "At this point in my job, I work a lot from home. Sometimes I prefer to go into my corporate office, but most of my time can be spent at home. You will not be neglected in the least for attention. I am more than willing to make you happy in this relationship, Bella."
Wow. Everything he says is so deep. I smiled a little, "May I ask a personal question Edward?"
He leaned forward with a smirk, "I've been waiting for you to do so."
I took a glance at his chest and shuttered at what it might look like without the garment. "How many girls have you done this with? You seem to know all the right things to say to get an innocent girl like myself to agree. You must have experience in getting young girls to agree to your terms. "
He was quiet for a moment before he leaned back in his chair and traced the outside of his wine glass. The laugh that escaped from his lips gave the feeling of warm honey on the tongue. He cleared his throat before he looked at me in amusement. "I'm sorry Isabella, I'm not laughing at you, but you do entertain me. Your blatant honesty is always refreshing. To answer truthfully, not many." That surprised me. I expected him to gloat about his experience or something to the effect. Try to be charming or flirtatious even. "Does that surprise you?"
"A little. I suspected that you were more experienced with this sort of arrangement." He smiled again.
"Don't get me wrong Isabella. I do have excellent experience to bring to this arrangement. I don't flaunt it, but I'm sure you will discover I am more than qualified to live up to my end of the deal." I didn't reply to this. I only had a plethora of disturbing images pop into my mind. "You are young, but that is something I believe should be admired, not taken advantage of. I am not a brut Bella, I value your innocence and wish to explore it."
I could only nod to this. It was surprising how pleasant and kind Edward was. Nothing like the other offers online. I didn't want to completely let down my guard, I still didn't know him all that well, but everything about him seemed to come from my dream book of a perfect male companion. I could not have asked for a more qualified person to respond.
"Now I have a question for you," he said with a grin, "how comfortable are you, Bella, with this arrangement?" I scrunched my face in surprise.
"I-" I didn't know how to answer that. I opened and closed my mouth a few times unsure of what to say.
"What are my chances of obtaining you as my companion? Surely I must be one of your many options."
I snorted a mocking laugh, "I have other options, but none that I would want to explore. I suppose that I am," I paused for a moment to think of the right words. Confused, scared, degraded. "I'm a little nervous, to be honest." I wondered if that was the right answer as his face showed a bit of concern.
His eyes looked away in a pondering manor. He was quiet. He didn't look at me in his thoughtful state. Instead, he grabbed his wine glass, again, swirled the red wine around a few times and then took a small sip. His attention was on the surrounding landscape which surprisingly caused me more distress.
I opened my mouth to say something but I didn't know what to say. I had said how I really felt. Did he want me to lie? Was I supposed to lie? How would Rose or Alice have answered?
I held my breath when he returned his gaze to me. I anticipated him getting up from the table telling me this wasn't going to work out. Or perhaps expressing his disappointment with me.
"I suppose to be nervous is expected. These kinds of arrangements can be a little unpredictable in their turnouts." I nodded in agreement and relief. Edward's eyes beamed at me. At this moment I took it upon myself to look away and dig into my salad. I could feel his gaze on me as I poked leaves and shoved them in my mouth. Not too delicately I might add.
After a moment I heard Edward set his glass down, and then start on his meal again as well. I had almost finished the salad but lingered on pushing a few leaves around the plate. The food was the only thing that gave me an out when conversation became too much. To finish it would be to corner myself.
"Edward," I said uneasily, "where do we go from here?"
"I believe that much depends on you," he said smoothly, "personally, I would prefer to give us a try. However, I do not push when it comes to women. I am a gentleman, but you should know that I am greatly interested in you."
"And if I refuse?" What? What are you doing?! Do you think you're going to get the deal saying stupid things like that?
Edward's face turned a little morbid for a moment before he covered it quickly. It was a flash of irritation that crossed his face so quickly that it disappeared before I could make anything of it. "I guess I would be disappointed, but I would not stop you Isabella." Bella! He smirked at my irritation that was a little too obvious at the use of my name.
"What is it you require Edward? What do you expect from me?"
"Expect?" He smirked.
"Besides the obvious, what else to you expect me to provide?" Edward's smile only widened, as he leaned forward.
"What is the obvious Bella?"
"Don't mock me Edward; people in your position always have expectations. Especially if they're paying for it," my voice was a little above a whisper as I finished the sentence.
"I would never mock you. As for the obvious, I can only imagine what you might be thinking. Do not confuse this relationship with that of a something less than what it is. This is not meant to be a one night stand, where I get up and leave money on the bed. Money can buy many things. Sadly the things that it can't buy are the things that I crave the most."
"And what is that?"
Edward sighed and looked at me as if I was missing the obvious. "I seek a companion, I seek you."
"What do you crave in a companion Edward?"
His teeth showed between his parted smiling lips, "you Bella." he said slowly, "keep me in good company and entertained, which so far you're very good at. If you impress me, I should like to use your services further. I tend to travel, have company dinners, and attend work related gatherings. And of course I would like you to solve the problem of loneness that I face during my leisure time at home. Does that answer your question?"
No. I mean sort of. I smiled at him as sweetly as I could. There seemed to be one subject that he was neglecting. I didn't want to bring it up necessarily. But he seemed to be avoiding it. He smiled at me just daring me to bring it up. I could not understand why he was not giving me the obvious answer I wanted.
"Yes, Edward I understand what you want in the way of company in public. But is there something else? Something, you want in private?"
He lifted his glass of wine and took another sip. "Perhaps it lies in what you called the obvious." He chuckled. "You seem to have something else on your mind. If you have questions, ask me. If this relationship is to progress from this evening, then these private moments between us should be used for us to discuss concerns."
"Sex," I blurted out.
Edward's brow lifted in fascination. My face reddened by the second at my impulsive shout out, while he looked on the verge of bursting into laughter. "Yes Bella, it can be enjoyable with the right person." His eyes for the first time left mine and wondered down to my chest for a moment.
Immediately I stiffened and shrugged away from his gaze by folding my arms over my chest.
"Things take time," he said smiling again lifting his eyes back to mine. He snorted a laugh at my expression, "I don't expect you to strip and poll dance for me. Whereas that would be very entertaining, I realize that we are still getting acquainted with each other. It's more important to me that you feel comfortable in this arrangement. A progressive relationship is what I most want."
"So," I paused, "you don't expect," I had to think of the right wording.
"I expect you to keep me company," he finished. "Other things will come in their own time." I looked away at the water below our balcony. I was still deciding if I wanted to jump or not. Edward was completely different than what I expected. I expected intercourse to be the first and only subject. But he didn't seem too interested in that aspect, just wanted company. I truly felt like I was getting the better end of the deal. And chances are if it seems too good to be true then it mostly likely is.
Edward stood up from the table suddenly with a quirky smirk on, "would you like a closer look?" My eyes locked in on his chest and his words seemed to fit my perverted thoughts. "The water is beautiful at this time of day." Of course he was talking about the water. My goodness Bella, this is what he should be thinking, not you.
I ran a curl behind my ear and smiled a little stupidly. Edward was doing a good job of turning me into the primary color of red. For this type of arrangement I was still so surprised how respectful Edward was being towards me. He walked over to my chair, and stretched out his hand to me. "Come with me."
I took his hand and watched as his fingers enclosed around mine. "Only because you're so persuasive Edward."
"Am I?" he said truly interested, "I'll take that as a compliment." He held my hand up and lifted me from the chair. As soon as I stood Edward's eyes scanned my body and let out a blissful sigh. "I don't think you realize how persuasive you are Isabella. And that might be what makes you so appealing to me. I haven't quite figured it out yet."
"It has to be something else, because being persuasive isn't one of my best qualities."
"In that dress? Don't be ridiculous. You could request anything. In fact I'd go as far to say that you're being unfair to me."
"I'm sorry," I said innocently with a tight smile.
"You'll make it up to me then," he said with an amused look in his eyes. I tried to look further into his eyes to see more of the emotion behind them, but he turned away too quickly. Once at the balcony Edward pulled me in front of him and leaned over me by placing his hands on the railing on both sides of me. I couldn't help but feel like this was a little cliché. Titanic? I hope he didn't ask me to put my arms out.
"Edward," I said but froze when I felt his moist lips on the side of cheekbone. Oh my goodness. I stiffened and bit my lip a little. Tell him to stop. My breath quickened as he moved down to my neck placing small kisses down my skin. "Edward," I said breathlessly. Why was I out of breath? It was hard to breath.
"I'm stopping," he whispered, out of breath as well. He ran his hands through my hair and pulled at some of the curls. "I'm sorry. I brought you over here to show you the view. Not to seduce you."
In all fairness I should have let him continue. He was paying for me. It was only fair I let him at least touch me. It's not like we were having sex. Yet.
"Was that your way of seducing?" He laughed.
"Well, I usually put more effort into it. That wasn't my best." Really? Could have fooled me. "Would you like a taste of my best?" Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and rubbed my stomach.
I shook my head quickly while biting my lip to keep from laughing at the tickle. "Please Edward." Edward leaned his chin on my shoulder and tipped his head to mine.
"I must seem like a pervert to you. Older man assaulting the young." I could see how he would think that, but he just seemed lonely to me. I smiled to myself. He was like a child that latched onto something for comfort. There was something endearing about it.
"Not at all" I said, looking at the tide coming in.
Maybe a little.
"Really." he scoffed. I placed a hand over both of his and rubbed it soothingly.
I could feel him loosen his tense body at my words. Almost as if he dreaded I would say the worst. "You are a kind gentleman Edward. I could not think those words even if I tried." There was some truth to my words, but the other half was to make him feel comfortable. This was still a job. Right? Right.
"Age is not a problem to you Bella?" It was a little unnerving. Did I care? Did it bother me? I suppose if it were someone else maybe I would? But with Edward, it didn't seem too odd. The scary part was that it felt ok. I didn't feel a great disgust towards him.
"I guess we'll have to see." Stupid. Stupid answer. Why are you such a moron? I could feel Edward's chest shake against my back as his laugh rang in my ear.
"Are we giving this a try then?" He whispered. I laughed a little. It would seem that way. I jumped before I answered him at the sound of loud duck quacking.
"Shit," I cursed under my breath. Damn phone. Edward released me as I ran from the deck into the room where a small couch sat that held my purse. This is not good for business! This must look awful. Here we were having a romantic moment and the damn phone rings. Maybe I should let it go to voicemail. Alice's face was on the front of my phone smiling at me. Ugh. I looked at Edward apologetically but he just nodded with a grin.
I sighed in frustration as I clicked accept on the phone, "Hello?"
"Hey, how's it going? Is everything ok? You want me to pick you up?"
"Umm, I'm a little busy at the moment," I said in a low voice. She was silent for a moment.
"You're doing it right now!?"She said a little astonished. Wow.
"No not that!" And even if I was, why would I answer that. In fact I wouldn't even have picked up the phone. "I'm still in company." I glanced at Edward as he leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest. The light that shown behind him made him look like an angle. An attractive angle. He lifted a brow at me. Oh god, he was getting impatient.
"I'm sorry. I thought you were out and forgot to call. You do tend to forget those things. Just wanted to make sure you're ok and didn't die."
"I'm fine. A text would have sufficed Alice," I grumbled into the phone.
"Hey, you're the one that left you're phone on. That's a rule you know. You don't leave your phone on. Perhaps if you had gone by the rules I would have left a message." Ugh. I couldn't do this right now.
"Thanks for calling," I smiled, "I'm fine. But I have to go."
"Work your magic, and call me when you're out" she said as she hung up. I slowly put the phone in my purse and looked timidly at Edward. It was a little embarrassing that I took a phone call in the middle of our arrangement.
"Everything ok Isabella?" Strangely, he had a look of playfulness in his yes. I expected anger or irritation.
"Um, yeah. So far so good." He looked at my purse where I had placed my phone.
"hmm," he said looking back at me, "sounded important."
"It wasn't," I quickly said, "I mean, it was just a friend."
"A worried friend?"
"Yeah," I mumbled.
"Worried that I might have you tied up on the bed ready to molest you?" I laughed awkwardly, and looked away embarrassingly.
"Not in that much detail, but something like that." Why was I being so honest with him? Edward eyed me with a grin on his lips.
"You seem nervous around me Isabella."
"Me? Nervous? No." I stood up with a small smile, "why don't we get back to us." Edward snorted a laugh.
"Hmm, yes. Come closer Isabella." I wrapped my arms around myself, bit my lips and walked over to him. All the while hoping my heels wouldn't give out beneath me. As soon as I got close enough his hands grabbed both my shoulders and pulled me into him. I unexpectedly let out a squeak at the force he used. My body panicked but when I looked into his eyes he held a soft smile for me. "You're good to me Isabella."
"I'm supposed to be aren't I? It's your time."
His smile widened, "It's your time Isabella. And my money." Right. Right, this was a job. Edward's head turned to the side and kissed me lightly first on my right cheek, then my left. He stopped in the center of my face and inhaled deeply. It could have been me, but I heard him let out a quiet moan. I just looked up at him awkwardly, but his eyes were closed.
His head leaned into mine. I couldn't help thinking that he must be extremely lonely. With all the money in the world, he was still so alone. My heart ached for him. He had so much and yet lacked the necessity of human companionship. A few moments passed as the sound of the waves echoed in the background. His embrace felt warm and comforting, so I smiled to myself. This wasn't too bad.
"Thank you," Edward said as he released me.
"For?" I raised a brow at him.
"For today. Being with me."
"Oh," I said looking down.
"Look at me," his index finger went under my chin and pushed it up slightly. So my eyes drifted up to his. It was really hard to look at Edward. He held such power and magnificence in his stance that it intimidated me. He looked intensely into them for a moment. His thumb began to stroke my cheek. "Such innocence is beauty. Like a dove." I struggled to not put my head down again. The showering of compliments was hard to take.
"I'm not innocent," I said slowly.
"Yes you are. And you will always be in comparison to me. Will you accept my compliment?"
"Thank you," I said timidly.
"Very good. I've discovered that it's hard for you to accept my compliments, but it's what will please me Isabella."
"I want to please you," I said in a trance. His thumb ran along my jawline to my lips.
"Now that, Isabella, is any man's downfall. I forbid you from saying that when you look as you do right now. You can not be that cruel to me." I laughed an honest laugh. He really was charming. Edward's head started to lean into mine again until we both turned at the sound of a door opening. It was the server.
He looked out of place as he eyes darted between the two of us, "pardon me Sir," he said looking at Edward, "I thought I might ask if," he paused for a moment.
I looked at Edward's face and froze as well. His face looked like he was on the verge of ripping the man's head off.
"Edward," I said softly.
"Never mind, I'll come back," the server said.
"No," Edward said forcibly. The server froze again. "We are through with eating. You may take the plates."
"Yes sir," he scurried outside. Edward was still eyeing him as he removed the dishes. Was he that easily irrigated? I mean could something so simple set him off?
"Edward," I said again. His eyes inched towards me hesitant to take his eyes off the man. "Are you ok?"
"Yes," he said as he smiled at me, "I'm sorry he interrupted us. He'll be leaving in a moment."
"I wasn't upset about it, Edward." He placed a hand on the small of my back and rubbed it soothingly. The server bumbled past us his arms full of dirty dishes and with a terrified look in his eyes. Edward had really freaked him out.
"James," Edward said looking at the server. The server winced and slowly turned to face Edward. He had almost made it out the door. Poor guy. "Bring us my usual for dessert. And this time wait for my permission to come in." Was that why he was so irritated? Such a small thing could turn him so.
Ok… that's creepy.
"Yes Sir. I'm sorry." he nodded and left quickly.
In the silence of his absence I looked at Edward and smiled a little, "I don't think he meant to anger you Edward." My voice was a little fearful but I tried not to show it.
Edward smirked, "so you've already seen my temper."
"It's nice to see different sides to you. You're only human."
"I did not wish for you see that side of me," he said in an ashamed manner. "I'm sorry."
"It's ok Edward, really." Edward looked relieved as this time he looked down and intertwined our hands together.
"You're not going to run away from me?" My brows creased. He was afraid I would leave him? It was my turn to take my hand and put it under his chin. I didn't lift it, but just soothingly rubbed it. It was so unlike me.
"Why would I run away?" It that what everyone else in his life had done?
His eyes moved up to my face, "I thought, you might fear me." I guess I was a little fearful, but I knew deep inside he wouldn't hurt me. It was a gut feeling. "I can be a monster Isabella."
I smiled at his honesty, but he just gave a strained look of disgust. "You wouldn't hurt me Edward."
His eyes locked onto mine and they seemed to be searching for something. "I wouldn't," he whispered.
"You have been very good to me."
"But you want to leave?" He asked. He looked like a child. He came off powerful but he had an extreme soft spot for not wanting to be alone. Something that might be useful to know in the future.
"No," his eyes filled with hope. It was unnerving how much weight he put into keeping me here with him.
"You don't," he stated wondering if I was serious. "Do not attempt to spare my feelings Isabella. I'm not one for sympathy or pity. Although I may come off cold, I really am trying to open up so to speak."
I leaned into him and rested the side of my face on his chest. I could feel his beating heart and his breath going in and out of his lungs. "You have my permission to take me to your monstrous lair Edward." My lips curled up at my own words. This was completely unlike me. To me the words sounded stupid and unromantic. I felt Edward's chest shift under my cheek as he let out a laugh.
"Are you sure about that? You might not be able to ever leave. You could go home now Isabella. You could run and forget this. I would not think bad of you. In fact you would be smart for doing so."
I smiled again. "I'm not a very smart person."
"Then consider yourself warned," my breath caught as his hands rubbed the sides of my body and stopped when his hands bushed the lower half of my body, "this should be interesting." His hand slid up my neck and into my hair massaging my scalp. I brought both of my hands up and rested them palm down his chest, my head rubbing against his chest. Normally I would shy away from human contact but it was different with him. I felt like he needed me. I couldn't believe I was the one being touchy feely.
Edward's hand rested on the back of my head holding it to his chest. It felt scary. Like the puzzle finally fit. Was he feeling the same? Was this what every job was like? Was I still acting? Somewhere between the heat of our bodies I had felt a comfort I had never felt.
There was a knock at the door. "Dessert Sir," the man said from the other side.
"Come in," Edward said.
The door opened to reveal the previous server from before as he scurried in holding what looked like a bowl of raspberries.
"I'll take them," he held out the hand that wasn't holding my head. So the server handed them to him and was out as quick as he had come. "I hope you like raspberries. These ones are specially made at my request." I pulled my head around to look at them.
"They look good," I said peering into the bowl.
"They are. Each one is stuffed with a cream filling." He picked up one and held it up to my lips. My lips curled as I opened my mouth and took in the berry from his fingertips.
Edward watched my face and quirked a brow, "how is it?" It was without a doubt delicious. Explosively creamy and full of flavor.
"You tell me." I picked one of the berries up and held it up to Edward's lips. He looked surprised by the jester but accepted it with a smirk. Grabbing my wrist he pushed the berry closer to his lips but didn't take it in. The frosting smoothed on to his lips and my heart started to race. He licked it off before opening his mouth and taking the berry from my fingers. My eyes were glued to his lips, taunting me, teasing me.
Edward released my wrist, "just like I remembered it."
"It's good," I mumbled nervously. Edward smirked again. I hoped he didn't pick up on my beating heart that sounded like a drum in my ears.
"Isabella, what do you think of accompanying me on a dinner with my company tomorrow night?"
"Tomorrow," I said looking skeptical. Was it normal to have another meeting so soon? Should I reject and make him wait a little? I didn't want to come too easily.
"Yes. Do you already have dinner planes? I hope not, or else you might hurt their feelings when you cancel them."
I laughed, "are you not giving me a choice?" He shook his head.
"No I'm not. I would like very much to see again. I know this is all happening quick, but I would really like your company tomorrow".
"Ok," I wondered if that was the right answer. Maybe Rose would say that I should have said no. Make him wait before we went public. We hadn't even discussed prices. And that was a subject I didn't want to bring up on my own. It made me feel cheap. However Rose and Alice insisted it was our right to demand a price for our services. "Just the dinner?" I hoped he wasn't asking for the night as well. I mean that would be too quick for me.
He grinned, "Yes. I will make sure you are safely returned to your home of residence after dinner." I sigh of relief came over me. It was a little too obvious. "I think, we should take things slow. Progressive, but slow. All I require is your company. And I'm sure you'll look modest yet stunning; a subject I don't need to touch on."
"Will a lot of people be there?"
"It's an exclusive gathering to celebrate a merging partnership with another company. So, just the owners, and the partners of the company." I bit my lip in contemplation of his words. "Don't be nervous. You'll be beside me at all times. Most of the people are old men with cigars and trophy wives."
"Or paid company," I laughed.
He nodded once slowly, "Yes. Some will have those as well. But nothing in comparison to you I can assure you of that. And while that is meant to be a flattering compliment to you, I am also being very frank."
A smile crept up on me as I struggled not to mockingly laugh off the compliment he gave me. "Thank you. Ok Edward, I will accompany you."
"Excellent," his teeth shown through his lips as a wide smile covered them, "I will pick you up at 4:00."
My brow raised, "you'll pick me up?"
"I know you're capable. But it's a little hard to get to by car. You will need other services to transport you." He picked up another berry from the bowl and held it up to me. My eyes looked at him and at the berry. My lips wrapped around his fingers and sucked the berry from his fingers. His finger ran down my checks as I chewed. "I would feel much better if you were with me."
He set the bowl down on a low table.
"Alright. I guess I can accept that." I said as I swallowed the last bit of juices. He rubbed my lips with his thump and then leaned forward. I saw him slowly coming in and my eyes widened. My body stiffened as my lips parted. Although I couldn't tell if I wanted to protest or accept it. He hands gripped both my shoulders and I struggled not to panic.
I felt his wet soft lips touch my fore head and stay there. My eyes looked up as his lips just lingered on my skin. When I tried to pull back his grip tightened and I could feel his lips smile. "Is this discomforting?"
"I'm sorry," I croaked out, "for not being good at this. I'm- it's just that I'm not good at doing this."
He chuckled , "it's what makes you so dangerous." I had been looking at the light creamy color of the skin on his neck for a while now. So I turned my head and leaned forward and placed my lips on his neck giving it small kisses. It was unlike me to the highest degree. My mind screamed at me for defying my common sense.
Edward jolted and pulled back quickly. His eyes were filled with a deep emotion. It caught me off guard as my eyes widened. "Did I do something wrong?" Oh god. Was that out of line?
He let out a cough and cleared his throat in an awkward manner. "I thought you said you weren't experienced." Did he think I was lying? I wasn't. To be honest, it was my first time ever doing anything of the sort.
I shook my head. "I'm not, really."
He smiled, "that little move would suggest otherwise. You're even more dangerous than I thought."
"I'm sorry," I was slightly panicked. It was my first time. But it was amazing.
"I loved it Bella," his head ducked low to grab my eyes that were now on the floor. "However, if you intend to return home tonight, I'm going to have to ask you not to do that again." His smile was kind and I realized that the emotion in his eyes was lust.
"Oh," I said awkwardly.
"I would not forgive myself Bella." I put a stand of my hair behind me ear and laughed awkwardly. Somehow it felt like the gentleman thing to do, but I still felt a bit rejected. My first time in kissing a man in such a way and I get shut down.
He griped my chin and forced me to look in his eyes, "believe me, we will have plenty of time for those things. I am most certainly not rejecting you, just putting it off till later. Today is our first our meeting. And I'd hate to have to throw you on the bed and truly show you the monster I can be. It would be selfish on my part."
"I'm sorry. It was something new for me, I just didn't think-"
"Smile," he said smirking at me, "Don't be sorry. You are magnificent Bella. If you don't smile, you'll make me give in just to prove how beautiful you are. It doesn't take much for me. As you can see." I followed his eyes to the obvious fact that he was excited.
I blushed profusely. It was weird that I could make a man like Edward excited. I didn't see myself in a tempting light. But I kind of liked it. I smiled up at him. "Perhaps I should head home then." He brought both my hands to his lips and kissed them gently.
"I'll walk you down."
"Do you have restroom?" That was random. And stupid. Couldn't you have held it Bella!? I wanted to slap myself. Edward smiled at me.
"Yes," he pointed down a small hallway past his kitchen, "down the hall and to the left." I half smirked and left quickly. Wow. That was unbelievably stupid. No, that was embarrassing. I closed the door to the restroom and took a deep breath for the first time. This was happening really fast.
I looked in the mirror and gasped. Oh my god. I smoothed down some of my hair that had been pushed up from the wind. Was it up all this time? When finished I washed my hands and smoothed down my dress, then took another deep breath. Ok, keep it together Bella. He's just going to walk you down and then you can relax.
Edward was on the phone when I came around the corner. I came to a stop when I saw him and tried to back up so as not to disturb him. He smirked at me and motioned for me to come from around the corner.
"Did they agree to keep to the terms?" I heard Edward say as he took a seat on the couch. His legs were spread wide and my eyes darted quickly between them and the pillows next to him. "I'm sure he will agree when he realizes it's his company." He smirked up at me.
After a moment of me rubbing my shoulders and looking around the bare room I heard Edward sigh frustratingly, "it's not complicated, he will give in. And if he doesn't he'll have hell to pay." His eyes ran down my body and then back up till they locked onto my eyes. "Sounds good. Tomorrow. I will." He put his phone in his pocket.
"Business?" I smiled.
"Unfortunately yes. I'm sorry."
"Stressful?"
"Hmm, more so irksome. Some don't know when to quit when they're out of options." He stood up and straightened his pants. "Nothing that can't be handled." He picked up my purse from the couch and handed it to me. "I'll walk you out now."
We walked over to the door to which he opened and motioned for me to go through. Such a gentleman.
Once inside the elevator it was hard not to smile as he kept staring at me with his hands in his pockets. The grin he gave me was like he was hiding something. "I'm really glad you came."
"Me too," I said under my breath. Oh, I have to text Alice. I turned and smiled at Edward as I took out my phone and started to text Alice.
"Hey Alice, I'm out. Meet me at the front?"
My phone immediately buzzed at her quick response. "Yep, be there in five."
"kk. Thx."
When the elevator came to a stop the doors opened and Edward again motioned for me to go first. I held my purse with both hands in front of me and walked out with a smile. Edward placed his hand in the small of my back as we approached the double doors of the hotel. I couldn't believe the stares I was getting from other women that walked by. Jealousy, anger. If looks could kill, I seriously would have dropped dead.
Once outside I immediately looked for Alice's car. Nowhere.
"Is someone meeting you?" Edward asked skeptically.
"Um, yeah. A friend actually."
"I could arrange a ride for you," he said worriedly. I looked at him with a crease in my brow.
No, I just said my friend was coming. "It's ok. They should be here soon." Come on Alice. He rubbed my back soothingly.
"You'll have to excuse my overprotective ways of thinking."
"No, it's sweet. Thanks." I was always told not to call a man sweet but it was. Maybe I should have chosen a different word. But I knew I could take care of myself. When Alice's yellow mustang pulled into the front, a sigh of relief came over me. I turned to Edward and smiled again. "Thank you for the lovely evening."
"You're welcome Bella. It was a nice evening for me too. Please text me, or call me when you get home safely."
"Ok," I smiled. Worry Worry Worry.
"And don't forget."
"I will call you," I said reassuringly. I lifted to my tippy toes and pecked Edward on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Edward smirked at me, rubbed his hands up and down my arms then pulled me closer to him. I eyed him mischievously. He had some type of naughty boy in him. He leaned towards my lips but stopped when he was so close. His lips parted a little. "I look forward to it." Then he closed the gap and kissed me softly. I found myself parting my lips ready for his tongue, but he ended just before I decided to take action. He slowly pulled back with a smirk as I stood there stunned.
He put his hand on the small of my back and pushed my zombie dumbfounded body towards the car. Unsurprisingly, Edward walked forward and opened the car door for me.
"Thank you," I said blushing. Alice leaned forward and met Edward's eyes with a smile. Edward smiled at Alice as well.
"You'll make sure she gets home safely." Alice looked at Edward like he was insane.
"No, I'm going to drive her off a cliff," she said sarcastically. Taking it as an insult, instead of realizing the man was relentlessly overprotective
"Alice," I said sharply. Edward looked insulted by the comment and a bit caught off guard.
"Call me when you get home," he said again to me almost pleading. Alice looked at me and then back at Edward. I gave her a death glare not to say another word. So she placed her sunglasses on her face and turned to look out the window. Well, they hit it off good. Last thing I needed was Alice trying to claw out the eyes of my first client.
"I will. Alice is a safe driver Edward. You shouldn't worry."
Alice looked like she was holding her tongue; trying so hard not to tear him apart. Edward smiled at me again.
"I do worry," he laughed a little. He leaned further forward and looked at Alice. "Apologies Miss Alice. It was not meant to be a derogatory comment to you."
Alice's head slowly turned, her red lips in a smile I knew to be fake, "no offense taken. Edward was it?"
Edward didn't answer her; he just grinned and gave me a playful look. "Yes. Goodnight Bella, Miss Alice." He shut the door and stood there until we were out of sight of him.
The drive was quiet before I looked at Alice, "Why did you say that to him?"
"Say what?"
"That you would drive me off a cliff. He really freaked out about that."
"Oh, please. He was being ridiculous."
"He's my client, and I'd like to keep him thank you very much. After tonight he might be giving me second thoughts."
"Yeah right. The way he looked at you? And that kiss? Please. He was eating out of your hand. There's no doubt. Am I the only one who heard him panting like a dog? But the more important question is, do you like him?"
I smiled a little, and cleared my throat, "yeah he's pretty good to me."
"How much is he paying you?" oh. Shit. "How much is he paying you?" She asked again when I was silent.
"A good amount I'm sure," I said looking out the window.
She looked at me and then back at the road. "You're sure? Bella did you even discuss prices with him?" I was silent again. "Bella! Are you kidding me?"
"I completely forgot," I rubbed my face and leaned against the window.
"He didn't bring it up either?"
"No, he didn't. He wants to see me again tomorrow."
"I bet he does. Bella, you can't let him take advantage of you. He's wealthy; chances are that he's done this a lot. And this is only your first time." He said he hadn't done this a lot, but they were just words I suppose.
"I know Alice. But I do like him. I mean, I want to give it a try with him."
"You do," she said turning to me again.
"Yeah. He was actually extremely considerate of me."
"Well I'll give you one thing; he really cares about your well-being."
"The dinner was nice. We got a chance to talk."
"But you didn't talk about prices."
"No Alice. I know he wouldn't take advantage of me. It's a gut feeling."
"He should have paid you for today. For even showing up. Did he give you anything?"
I sighed as I could feel another lecture coming on. "No," I mumbled.
"Bella," Alice sighed in frustration, " have I taught you nothing? He just got a free date. And men like him know the first date is never free. It's more like a down payment. No wonder he's interested in you."
"He's not like that Alice."
"How do you know? You're not experienced in this Bella, he is only your first. And he sounds like a ringer." I slumped down in my seat and looked out the window. I couldn't explain to Alice, but I knew he would never hurt me, or take advantage of me. But maybe, just maybe Alice was right. Maybe my feelings got the best of me and he saw it was a weakness and didn't pay me.
"I'm sorry Bella." Alice said giving me a quick smile. "I didn't mean to come down on you. I just don't want anyone to take advantage of you. You know how I feel about that. And Mr Ernest, or whatever his name is doesn't seem too honest to me. But that's just my opinion. Of course, you spent time with him and I didn't."
"Its ok Alice. You're right, this is my first time. And maybe I was being naïve. I mean, maybe he just sees me as an easy target. It's possible he's just a good actor. I just didn't get that feeling when I was around him."
Alice smiled at me again. "You seemed to like him a lot when I pulled up. At least he made sure you had a pleasant night."
"It was a pleasant night," I said blushing at some of the flashbacks of him kissing my lips before Alice and I pulled off.
I heard the buzz of my phone go off. Alice eyed me. "tell me that's not him already."
I smiled and looked at the front of my phone, it was Rose. "Its rose," I said before I clicked accept. "Hey, what's up?
"Hey, how did it go? Alice sent me a text that you were out. Just wanted to call and check on you."
"It was good." Please don't ask me about prices.
"Well I hope he paid you well, normally first dates don't last that long. Nothing funny went on? He didn't try anything?"
"No, nothing. He was in fact the perfect gentlemen." I smiled.
"Is he paying gentlemen prices?" I paused for a moment. Uh no. A lecture from Alice was one thing but a lecture from Rose was just awful. There was no comparison. I could literally picture her chewing my head off and spitting it out across the room.
"Hey Rose the connection isn't too good here, I promise I'll give you details when I come home."
"Ok." she sounded skeptical, but didn't' say anything more. So I hung up and started to get a sick feeling in my stomach. Rose was going to kill me. My first job and I forgot the most fundamental rule.
Alice glanced at me, "you know she's not going to fall for that no service statement. She's going to think something is up."
"I know. I just didn't want to talk about it over the phone." I reached down to my purse to put my phone away and noticed a white envelope sticking out. My brow scrunched in confusion. I glanced at Alice and then back at my purse. The little white envelope could barely be seen at first glance, but there was definitely one in there.
"Some people are like that though Bella," Alice said still looking at the road. "If they think they can get something for free they will." Her voice turned into quiet background mumbles as I pulled my purse into my lap. Slowly I peeked at the envelope. On the front it read: "Thank you for the lovely evening—Edward C." My heart jumped. I let my finger slide across the top of it to open it, and then leaned forward to peek into it secretly.
My eyes widened.
"Oh my God," I whispered under my breath. Alice went silent.
"What?" she said caught off guard. "Why did you say that?" I shook my head.
"Say what?"
"You said oh my God, why did you say that?"
"I did?"
"Bella, seriously, stop being funny. What are you looking at? What's in your purse? Did you forget something?"
"No," I said still a little shocked.
"Well then why are you looking like you just saw your grandma at the club?"
I pulled out the contents of the envelope, which were thick layers of crisp hundreds. It was too much. Way too much.
Alice looked twice at it and then started laughing. "Well well, you can cross cheap scum bag off your list. So he did pay you."
"Alice this is way too much. He shouldn't have given me all this." Alice laughed again.
"Well you can't go give it back. That would be insulting to him. Obviously he really really really really liked you. Take it as a gift. And look at the positive; you won't get a lecture from Rose." She smiled at me.
I smiled back at Alice. "I guess."
"It's good he paid you. I'm glad he didn't take advantage of you. When did he have your purse?"
"I don't know, I don't remember."
"Hmm, nothing is missing from your purse right?" I smiled at Alice.
"I hardly think he would put an enormous sum of money in my purse and then rob me." Right about this time we pulled into the driveway.
I glanced down at the money in my hand and felt a little sick again. Why would he give me this much money? For some reason I was having another gut feeling. Second thoughts. Maybe I was missing something. Maybe he was expecting something from me. It just didn't feel right that he would give me this amount of money with no ulterior motive.
I heard the car door slam as Alice departed from the car. So I shuffled my things together and opened the car door when I felt the buzz of my phone. I grabbed it and looked at the words in text formed on the front of it.
"Did you arrive home safe? And did you get my envelope?" What was with this guy? In fact, he was getting a little on my nerves. He paid me way too much, which was a red flag, and he was way too overprotective for my taste.
I typed out, "I'll call you in five." Edward had to know that I had standards too. And this was all a little overwhelming.
His text came swiftly, "ok."
Maybe it wasn't too late to pull out of his monstrous lair
I'm Sorry for not updating. I'm not dead. I'm still alive and well. And I know that means you want to strangle me because I haven't updated. But Things have been complicated. Lets just leave it at that.
I'm sorry. But there it is. I'm working on the next chapter as we speak. :) I'll try to do better. Thanks for reading guys. Any questions….feel free to ask. I'll answer in my next update.
PLEASE NOTE:::::::Also: I LOST MY BETA… I Had one, but I haven't updated in a while and therefore am not sure if they are even available anymore. You may notice some little mistakes here and there in my chapter….. So if anyone would like to be my beta I would appreciate it if you pm me or leave it in a review. I know I need one…. No matter how hard I try..I always miss something… lol. So Please apply if you have time and are interested.
P.s:… I am in fact a Sugarbaby myself; some of the things in this story I have pulled and will be pulling from my real life experiences, and other things are just for fun. So I am familiar with this line of business. Not that I would recommend it to anyone. Lol but I think I was just fortunate in my pick… It can be dangerous. Anyways…that's my tidbit. Enjoy the future chapters to come.