A/N: Hey everyone! Welcome back and Happy New Year!

Chapter 14:

BPOV

The ride home from Forks has been the longest hour of my life. It's only fitting after following the longest two weeks of my life. I am ready to lay in our big soaking tub until my fingertips wrinkle and then sleep soundly in my own bed for a good ten hours, maybe longer.

The call Edward received from his station manager yesterday marked the end of our exile. I never expected that the negative press we received would end up garnering us support in the community. We've been able to return home with our heads held just a little bit higher. Edward's going to start back to work tomorrow evening in his normal time slot. We're both optimistic that we've weathered Hurricane Catie and emerged in the aftermath with minor cuts and bruises. Our future together and in this town is much brighter than it looked a few days ago.

Edward and I have both been quiet on the long drive, each of us reflecting on what it means to be coming home. At least, that's what I've been thinking about. I don't want to waste any more time worrying about what other people will think of me. I want to move forward. Charlie learning about my secret life was my worst fear coming to fruition. Telling him the truth was just as painful and difficult as I knew it would be, but somehow I managed to survive it. Part of me is relieved he knows because I don't have to hide anymore. I finally feel free.

I hold Beanie in my arms as Edward unlocks the front door to our townhouse. The familiar smell of home greets us as we walk through the front door and the dog wiggles out of my grip to run off on his own. Beanie might be the happiest of all to be back here. Edward is carrying our luggage and drops it in the hall at the bottom of the stairs. I turn on a few lights, making my way to the kitchen to see what condition I left it in. We fled in such a hurry I don't think I even tossed out the milk or lunch meat before leaving.

After a quick inspection I turn to ask Edward if he's hungry. It's late evening and we haven't eaten all afternoon. His intense gaze is fixed on me and it sends a chill down my spine. He looks hungry, all right, but not for food. In the background I hear Beanie's paws scampering around as he runs from room to room. My breath catches in my throat and I bite my lip as Edward continues to stare me down. He starts advancing on me and I feel my feet moving to close the gap between us. Dinner completely forgotten, I fling my arms around him and he buries his face in the crook of my neck inhaling my scent. I've missed this so much. His arms around me, the feel of his chest pressed against mine.

My face turns inward, my lips desperately seeking his. I don't know how I ever lasted so long without kissing him; it feels like an eternity. Edward's hands are on my hips, pulling me tight against him. When our mouths meet he devours me. I can feel his heart racing in his chest and the hardness of his erection against my hip. I need him so badly. And it's quite clear he feels the same about me. This fire between us hasn't crackled in so long. Adrenaline spikes in my veins and I surrender to him.

"I want you," I whimper, unable to disguise my desperation. I lift Edward's t-shirt up over the sculpted abs I've missed so much and he helps remove it the rest of the way. My mouth attacks his skin licking across his chest from one nipple to the other.

Edward growls, his hands gripping the hem of my t-shirt and pushing it up over my breasts. "I need you right now," he replies. His hands move to the back of my thighs and easily lift me up to the breakfast bar. I sit on the edge and spread my legs so Edward can step closer in between them. He pushes the cups of my bra up, freeing my breasts, and then pulls it over my head and down securely behind my back. The fabric is stretched so tight that it pins my arms behind me.

Oh, how I've missed this too.

Edward's mouth turns up into a satisfied smirk as he looks me over. He reaches between my legs, under my knee length skirt, taking my damp panties in his fisted hand. Wearing the skirt was a wise choice, though I can't say the same for the panties. I can tell they are about to be ripped to shreds. Edward's lips suck my nipple into his mouth and then I hear the sounds of expensive lacy panties falling apart at the seams. He drops the remnants on the floor and I watch his hand dive back under the flowery skirt. My eyes close as Edward's middle finger slides effortlessly into my hot center.

I moan and push my chest into his face. He turns his attention to the other nipple, sucking it into his mouth as his thumb rubs over my clit. I feel like I could come already. Two weeks of abstinence has made me ridiculously horny. Edward can sense how close I am, I know he can, and quickly withdraws his finger. He takes a step back and brings both hands down to the button fly of his jeans. God, he's so sexy. His eyes smolder as they stare at me, his lips quirked into a crooked smile. How can he tease me at a time like this? I want to rip his remaining clothes off and swallow his cock at the same time! First with one button, and then another, Edward undoes his jeans and lets them slip down his legs.

Tight gray boxer briefs are all that cover his delectable package and in my head I'm shouting at him to just take them off already. He chuckles at my expression. Did he hear me call his cock a package? I'm fairly certain it was in my head. His hand rubs up and down his hard length still concealed by cotton. I lick my lips and he growls again.

"Okay, enough fucking around," he curses and pushes the underwear out of his way.

His fingers grip my hips tightly as he flips me over, pushing my cheek against the cool granite countertop. My legs are hanging off the edge of the bar as he unzips my skirt. He works it down over my legs and discards it. I feel Edward's hands pull my hips towards him until his dick is lined up with my aching pussy. His hand glides over the curve of my ass and I moan. I'm trussed up by my bra and t-shirt, about to get fucked on the breakfast island. I'm going to have to work hard not to come the moment he enters me.

I wonder if he'll spank me. I'm in the perfect position for a little erotic spanking, only I don't know if I'm his girlfriend or submissive right now. I honestly don't care how Edward is viewing this encounter. Those lines have blurred so much in the past year that I'm comfortable in saying Edward sees both sides of me equally whenever he looks into my eyes.

"Fuck me already," I plead, unable to wait another minute for him to complete the connection. My ass inches back against his warm palm. What is he waiting for? I need him so badly after this time apart. After all the fears I've had about him slipping away from me, this simple act will give me the reassurance I've been waiting for. "Now, Edward, for God sake, I need you inside me!"

"Mmm, I love it when you beg, Isabella," he coos, sliding his hand along the crease in my ass. His finger lightly grazes over my slick folds. Oh, the smug bastard. He's driving me mad on purpose. And to think I worried so incessantly that he might have difficulty dominating me after we got publically excoriated. Silly Bella. He's falling back into his Dom role quite easily.

"Please, please, please," I chant resigned to do whatever it takes for him to get on with it.

I feel one of his hands slide over my wrists, holding me firmly in place. The other comes down quickly, slapping my right ass cheek and making the skin tingle. Yes! I moan and throw my head back. My nipples skim across the counter as my back arches and the hard surface feels good against the strained peaks. Edward spanks me twice more and then I feel his erection between my legs.

He presses into my entrance slow at first, and then I think he loses the strength to delay penetration any longer. One hard thrust and he's inside me, filling me in the most delicious way. He's deep in this position and being held down and tied up leaves me no mobility. I can do nothing but lie there and take it. His cock feels exquisite as he slides in and out in a steady, rough rhythm.

"Oh, yes. Oh, you feel so good baby," I groan.

My bound hands tighten into fists behind my back as he pounds into me. It's hard and relentless and exactly what I need. A good hard fucking.

"Fuck, Bella. Shit, you're so tight," Edward curses as he wraps one hand around my torso and latches onto my right breast. His left hand is on my hip, holding my body in place.

I'm tight because my neglected vagina is getting the workout of its life. Edward hasn't eased up on his jack hammering rhythm since first entering me. "Gonna come," I breathe.

"Wait for me, love. Almost there. Fuck, you look so sexy right now."

His fingers pinch my nipple to the point of pain and I know he's about to come. A satisfied cry escapes my lips as I lose control. I feel my walls squeeze Edward's cock and he groans in response, pumping a few more times before stilling. He leans over me and I feel his breathe on the back of my neck as we both ride out our orgasms.

Edward peels me off the counter like road kill and we fall back onto the plush carpet of the living room rug. I'm lifeless and sated; unmoving as he undoes the clasp of my bra and finally frees me of the makeshift bondage.

"God, I feel better," I say sighing.

"Me too. Just so you are aware, I'm never allowing that much time to pass without fucking you ever again," he says staring up at the ultra white ceiling.

"Mmm, promise?"

"Oh, yeah. You have my word, little lady," he replies reaching over and grasping my hand with his. He squeezes my palm three times. I. Love. You. I smile happily and close my eyes.

We lay together naked on the living room floor for a while longer. Eventually Beanie comes over to sniff us, wondering what the hell we're doing. I sit up and scratch behind his ears, knowing if I don't get up soon Edward and I might fall asleep here. We redress, sans my ripped panties, and I dig through my purse for my cell phone so I can stick it in the charger. It's been off for many days and I know I'll have the unpleasant task of deleting a lot of messages when I finally switch it back on. I'll deal with that tomorrow.

Angela has left all of our mail on the kitchen table and I thumb through it while Edward puts out fresh food and water for Beanie. I put aside a few bills that need to get paid and make a pile of junk mail to throw away. A lavender envelope catches my attention and alarm bells start going off in my brain. The light scent that I associate with Catie Bennett invades my nostrils and I drop the envelope from my shaky hands. Edward looks over and I see the post orgasmic fog lifting from his expression as his eyes widen in recognition.

"What the fuck is that?" he asks softly. I don't answer. I know it was a rhetorical question. There's no mistaking that stinky purple card.

I pick it up again and read the writing on the front. The return address is missing, but says Catie in the corner. The envelope is addressed to Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan, and I notice it's the first time my name is included on one of Catie's letters. The postmark proves it was mailed and not hand delivered which is somewhat comforting. It was mailed over a week ago, just a few days after we fled Port Angeles.

"Don't open it," Edward says gently, reaching for the envelope. I hadn't even realized my finger was about to slide under the flap.

"What do you intend to do with it?" I ask in a small voice.

Edward shakes his head in exasperation. "There's nothing left for her to do to us, darling. We're out of the playroom now with nothing left to hide. This is behind us now. As far as I'm concerned it's over."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

He takes the lavender letter from my hands and drops it gently into the junk mail pile. "Sandra and Gabriel have been expelled from the club. Catie Bennett's membership expired and no one has seen her in months. The security's been heightened so no one is getting past Emmett that doesn't belong there."

"She still knows where we live," I remind him.

Edward brushes the hair off my forehead and kisses it tenderly. "If she was going to physically hurt me she had a chance behind the Channel 6 building. I'll give this envelope to the police and let them handle it, alright? I don't want you to have to think about her any longer."

I am pleased Edward's finally willing to involve the local police. The desire to let this go is very appealing. I want to move on with our lives as much as Edward does but I fear it won't be as easy as he thinks.

"Okay. If you'll really give it to the police then I'll let it go," I agree.

Edward nods and kisses my forehead lightly. I follow him upstairs and we are quiet while getting ready for bed. He leaves the suitcases on the floor in the corner. I'll do the unpacking in the morning. I slip on a satin night gown while Edward brushes his teeth and then settles into bed next to me. He wraps his arm around my waist and splays his hand over my belly. That intimate contact reminds me I haven't unpacked my bathroom travel bag yet. I hop up and out of bed thankful that I haven't forgotten.

"Where are you going, baby?" Edward asks sleepily.

I dig through my toiletries and pull out the pack of birth control pills I was looking for. Poking my head into the bedroom I show him while popping a pill into my mouth like its candy.

"I almost forgot to take it. That would have been an epic mistake," I say emphatically.

Edward frowns.

I swallow the pill and wash it down with water from the faucet. Edward remains silent while I make a quick assessment of myself in the bathroom mirror. My cheeks are still a little pink from our kitchen sex less than an hour ago. I run a brush through my hair and grin at my reflection. I'm ready for round two. A quick swish of Listerine and a wash of my face help to improve my odds of getting lucky again. Edward was looking half asleep a minute ago but I've never had trouble waking him up for sex before. Stepping back into the bedroom I see he is indeed still awake. His arms are crossed over his chest as he watches me. He's still wearing the frown he got when I took my pill.

"What?"

"You act like missing a pill would be disastrous," he mutters under his breath. He reluctantly opens his arms as I move against him to snuggle.

"Wouldn't it? That's the last thing we need right now," I state firmly.

As I settle into the crook of his arm his body slowly releases the tension and he wraps himself around me. I realize that this is a lingering argument between us, but how could he think me getting pregnant unplanned could be anything but a mistake? I get the feeling Edward wouldn't consider it a mistake at all. I sigh and make myself comfortable surrounded by his warmth, suddenly not feeling much like having sex again tonight. Catie or no Catie, Edward and I have some obstacles to overcome.

A few days after returning to Port Angeles I am beginning to realize our lives cannot simply pick up where we left them no matter how much we want them to. Settling back into our old routines has proved impossible. I was naive to think coming out of the playroom wouldn't have long term consequences.

Monday morning I called all my clients to confirm appointments for the week. A few of them were happy to hear I was back in town but two of my regulars let me know my services were no longer needed. Those calls ended with utter humiliation on my part. Now I have to rebuild my client base after losing a total of three steady paychecks. It might be difficult finding new prospects now that my face has been plastered all over the news. I have no idea if it will be an issue but something tells me it might.

Edward's career is on shaky ground as well. He went back to work yesterday, but his future as Channel 6's anchorman is still to be determined. His contract expires in two months and how he'll be received by viewers post-scandal is anyone's guess until he's been back on television a while and the next few ratings reports come in.

And then there are Edward's parents. It hasn't escaped my attention that they did not call Edward after the story broke. Esme's perspective on BDSM is similar to Charlie's. She doesn't want to think about her son in a sexual capacity and the whole topic makes her uncomfortable. Carlisle's biggest gripe has always been his own professional humiliation. I don't know if the story made the news in Seattle but the fact that he hasn't called is not a good sign. Edward missed two Wednesday lunches with his parents, something that hasn't happened once since the family tradition began.

Tonight we're having a late dinner with Alice and Jasper after Edward gets off work. I've looked forward to this all afternoon, having missed Alice and her spunky personality. I know Edward's been eager to sit and talk with his cousin. A little family time will be good for him; and he's hoping to get an idea of how Carlisle and Esme have been dealing these past few weeks. My nerves are a little shot between anticipating what Jasper will have to say and the knowledge that this will be Edward and my first public appearance since returning to town. I have no idea what to expect, but I'm hoping my anxiety is unwarranted.

Edward picks me up from home after leaving the station and we drive together to Alice's restaurant of choice. It's the same one we went to the first time I was invited to join Edward and his friends. So much has changed in the last year I can barely wrap my head around it. Alice and Jasper are married. Edward and I are in love and skirting around the 'M' word ourselves. We've both been inadvertently outted to our parents. There's been collaring, moving in together, a sex scandal...

"Hey!" Alice shrieks when she sees us approaching their table. She jumps up from the booth and throws her tiny arms around me.

"Hey, Alice," I reply, hugging her back.

Edward and Jasper nod at each other in the typical guy greeting and we all settle into the booth. The waitress notices that the rest of Alice and Jasper's party has arrived and flitters over to take our order. She's young, blonde, and clearly recognizes my boyfriend. From the news or the video I wonder? It occurs to me that every time Edward gets recognized publically I'll be asking myself that question.

She introduces herself as Kimberly and takes our drink order, twirling her finger around a loose blonde curl as she shamelessly stares at Edward. I order a margarita. Something tells me I'm going to need it. Alice gets her usual Shirley Temple and the guys snicker at her beverage choice.

"How are things at the station?" Jasper asks Edward after the fangirl waitress has retreated.

Edward fiddles with the napkin wrapped utensils in front of him. "Some people have asked questions and I answered honestly without giving out the crude details. My friends Zach and Martin are treating me like some kind of sex God. And then other people I used to consider friends won't even look me in the eye."

I reach over and take his hand under the table. "People have been mean to you?" Alice asks.

"I've only been back for two days so it might be awkward for a little bit. They're not exactly mean, just standoffish. Well except for Jackie. That girl was like white on rice the second I walked through the door."

Alice frowns at Edward and then looks to me in confusion while Jasper chuckles knowingly. I pull my hand back from my darling boyfriend. "Who's Jackie?" I demand.

"The intern who works on set. She makes coffee and does a few other behind the scenes jobs," Edward answers while shifting in his chair.

"Man, I bet her little crush on you has gone nuclear after watching that video," Jasper muses.

I suspected as much; an intern with the hots for Edward. How typical. Edward glances at me to gauge my response and I slip my hand back into his. We need to be a united front in this transition back into normal life. I'm used to girls fawning over him, and it's always made me feel good about myself, lucky even, knowing I'm the only woman he chooses to be with. My instinct now is to be more defensive and protective of him. I'm not fool enough to think that there won't be more women throwing themselves at him. It's something I've dealt with within the walls of Coming Attractions in the past and will have to continue doing so on the outside now that we're public. Thanks a lot, Kinky Catie...

"What about you, Bella? Are you back to work now?" Alice asks trying to move the conversation along.

I smile at her saying a silent thank you with my eyes. "Mrs. Beagle is so happy I'm back. I'll get to see her Thursday. So far she hasn't mentioned the video or asked why I was gone. She just thinks I went home to visit family, thank God." I really don't know what I'd do without Mrs. Beagle. She's become like a surrogate grandmother to me. The thought of her disapproving of my life really upsets me.

Alice opens her mouth to respond just as two young women, probably no older than twenty, approach our table. "Edward?" girl number one, with red hair and blushing cheeks, greets my man.

Edward squeezes the life out of my hand as he turns towards the girls and slips into public figure mode. He's always hated being recognized by his television viewers. It's kind of ironic that someone who gets off on being watched during intercourse could be so adverse to the attention he gets from local fans of his broadcasts.

"We really love your work," girl number two says as she shoves a napkin in his face and asks for an autograph. His work? Alice lifts her eyebrows at me, wondering the same as I, specifically what work these girls are such fans of. This is definitely going to get annoying.

Edward makes a lame joke about autographing a paper napkin and they are both thrown into a fit of giggles. I suppress an eye roll and look over to see Jasper's shoulders shaking with laughter. He's always found Edward's modest fame amusing, or more specifically Edward's handling of it. Edward does say and do some dorky things when he's put on the spot like this.

"You two lovely ladies have a pleasant evening," Edward says politely. I start to relax thinking that this interruption is almost over when the red headed girl reaches her hand out and sticks the napkin under my nose. I look at it in confusion.

"Will you sign too, Bella?" she asks nervously.

Oh fuck no. I am not allowing myself to be treated like an amateur porn star. "I'd really rather not," I respond icily. I suppose this answers my question of where they know Edward from. And apparently me too. They aren't fanaticizing about Edward sitting behind a large mahogany desk and a green screen; it's a bed and apparatus they're seeing in their minds.

"Bella," Edward chides drawing out my name. It might be a requirement of his job to be gracious and kind to his television viewers but I signed no such contract. And for all we know the only viewing these two floozies have done is of a certain YouTube video.

"I'm sorry, no," I repeat, glaring at the two girls. The hand in my face is retracted and the girl mumbles an apology.

"Bye, Edward," the second girl says in a very flirty tone that makes my skin crawl. "It was great meeting you."

Edward smiles and waves goodbye as they walk back to their own table, swinging their hips provocatively. Red Head glances back over her shoulder and winks at Edward.

"Well, that was interesting," Jasper says. Alice giggles while looking at my face.

"Oh, keep your mouth shut, Tinkerbell," I groan. Edward sighs and rubs his free hand over the back of his neck.

Kimberly returns a few minutes later with drinks and I empty the glass while entrees are being ordered. "I'll have the Chicken Club with mayonnaise. And another margarita." I was right about needing alcohol this evening.

Kimberly smirks and takes my empty glass in one hand while collecting the menus in the other. "You're food will be out shortly," she says and then walks away.

"So... have you been to the club while we were away?" I ask Alice, hoping to avoid discussing the Napkin Twins any further. I chose a good topic as Alice's eyes light up and she launches into a rundown on everything we missed the past two weeks. "Peter and Charlotte took your first Friday time slot. Jazzy actually watched the performance with me. And this past week was Rose and Emmett. Edward, you wouldn't believe it, but Saturday night Jessica returned to the theater stage! She hasn't performed since breaking things off with you. Everyone was excited for her return, especially since she scened with Laurent and Victoria."

"Laurent did a scene with two submissives?" Edward questions.

Alice shakes her head. "Nope. Victoria did a scene with two submissives. It was fanfuckingtastic."

"It was nauseating," Jasper corrects.

"Don't listen to him," Alice scolds. "It was hot. The members loved it. It was really something different, you know?"

Jasper clears his throat. "Are you guys gonna resume your Friday night time slot now?"

Edward and I look at each other. We haven't exactly discussed this yet. I'm afraid to return to Coming Attractions, not just the theater but the club too. Obviously I miss seeing Rose, Emmett, Bianca, and the others, but I'm nervous about Edward and me opening ourselves up to more trouble. The club is where we met Gabriel and Sandra, and even though they were vetted members, they proved untrustworthy in the end. Resuming our Friday night schedule may not be possible, although the thought of ending that commitment is too upsetting to contemplate.

I already miss performing a lot, but getting outted has given me a new perspective on exhibitionism. We routinely got approached in the club after scenes and I usually welcomed that attention. But when that attention comes from strangers like these two girls at the restaurant, who continue to glance our way from their table, it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. In the club we knew we were surrounded by like minded people. Out here in the wild of Port Angeles we'll likely face critics as often as fans.

The thrill of exhibitionism is not as fun when people who disapprove of me are also watching. I can practically feel myself turning into my own shadow, wanting to hide from the public eye. I can't perform in the theater while feeling like this, but I also don't want to lose that connection Edward and I share. What will I tell him? Performing is such an important part of our relationship; more important to Edward than to me, but important nonetheless.

Edward turns his gaze back to Jasper. "I think we'll have to talk about when to get back into the theater. I'm not sure it's wise to expose ourselves again that way so soon," he says reluctantly.

"I'm glad you said that," Jasper replies. "Carlisle will be relieved, I mean."

"Have you talked to mom and dad?" Edward asks warily.

Jasper frowns as he nods his head. "They're not angry, just concerned. And a little embarrassed."

"We're still meeting for lunch tomorrow?" Edward presses.

"Yeah, they want you there, if that's what you're asking. Esme's going to ignore the whole topic, I assure you. And Uncle Carlisle... well, I'm sure he'll give you some kind of an 'I told you so'," Jasper warns, a smile playing across his face.

Alice punches his arm lightly. "Don't worry about your dad, Edward. He's a big marshmallow. He's been worried about how you've been holding up, I could tell."

"He could have called," Edward mutters, his brows furrowing.

"So could you," she points out. "Don't worry about it so much. I talked to me friends and acquaintances in Seattle. It wasn't such shocking news in the big city. Carlisle hasn't been publicly humiliated at the hospital or anything like that. Just a curious nurse or two have asked him if what they've heard is true."

Kimberly returns with our food, and bless her blonde head, my margarita. I take it from her hands eagerly and begin sucking down the salty sour beverage.

"Take it easy there, Bella," Edward scolds me.

I roll my eyes at him like an errant child. "Whatever," is my response. I hate when he tries to curb my alcohol usage when I'm not wearing my collar.

Kimberly, witnessing the exchange, looks amused. "Are you going to punish her for disrespecting you like that?" she blurts out. She ought to be embarrassed, what a rude thing to ask people she doesn't even know. To her credit, color rises in her cheeks and down her slender neck as I glare at her.

Then she loses my sympathy, and her chances of getting a decent tip when she adds, "Oh, Edward! If you do, can you post the video on You Tube again?"

The only sound at the table is the air being sucked up the straw of my newly emptied margarita glass.

A/N: Please leave a review!