Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer created the twilight universe. The following story is in use of her property not intending to set flames.
Hi, it's been a few months but here's an update. And like all chapters before, this is unbeta'ed work, so please excuse the mistakes.
I've been so trusting in Mr Masen while we were having sex, I'd ended up turning my head away from his wrecking nature outside of our bubble in the hotel room. Like a gullible little baby animal, I thought I was safe in the arms of my anchor who I believed was my unproclaimed protector.
The incident in the office clearly reinstated the lines I blurred in moments of weakness; Edward Masen hired me to be his secretary and an object to find sexual release.
It was time again to see the facts as they came.
He casted me into a role without giving me the script. Trying to anticipate his next moves and what he would expect of me was not something I can do.
His manipulation had caught me in the moment, and now that he has shown the dark side I wasn't prepared.
I didn't want this arrangement with Mr Masen anymore. It was time to let go.
As soon as I terminate the morbid relationship between him and I, I will be able to let all of my baggage go.
I knew that Shelley and Jeffrey will be the sacrifices and guilt immediately gripped my conscience.
They never gave up on me growing up- I viewed them as grandmother and grandfather figures since I began to live in their home. Even when Charlie and Renee came back for me they never lose contact. Through a few letters each year we were kept in each others' lives.
They were the only ones who have been the few of my constants in the world.
Everything else have been shifty with no further promises.
I didn't appreciate them when I had the chance. It was only until my late found determination to keep them alive with machines which made me understand, that, they were two people whom I owed allegiance to.
Throughout the weekend spent away from that godforsaken hotel and away from Mr Masen, I balanced the argument between the good and bad.
At the back of my head I felt anger for having selfish thoughts about which direction Mr Masen and I were heading whilst two people's lives relied on my shoulders.
Being used was the price that must be paid, but why can I not stop feeling frustrated by points coming into my mind?
The Monday morning after the raging weekend I approached him with new found vigour along with apprehension.
The deal between he and I came with too many strings; my position as his secretary in the company, the money he invested into paying for my adopted parents' coma care, the gifts he'd thrown at me lavishly.
At the end of the tunnel I was deeply indebted to him. He was there as my anchor as my will came apart and even that damn Mini was part of his generosity. The acknowledgement of receiving his emotional and monetary handouts suffocated me.
I knocked on the door, making sure to hit with equally measured force and time.
Without waiting for a reply my hand flew to the cool steel handle. I opened the door and quickly entered.
As soon as I laid eyes on Edward sitting behind his desk with a pen in his hand scribing away on documents, my breath was knocked out of my lungs.
Deep in concentration, Edward wrote in elegant script on the piece of paper. Looking every part a gentle being with attainable ambitious goals.
It was a half a minute later before he decided acknowledge I was in the same room as him.
"Ms Swan, come and take a seat." He said without looking up from the paperwork.
No. I replied in my head bravely.
Ultimately I saved my breath and stood still anticipating his next order.
"Fine." He sighed and sat up, screwing the lid back on his old fashioned fountain pen. "Are you here to discuss what happened last Friday?"
"Yes." I replied curtly.
"I'm not going to apologise if that is what you want."
"No, I don't want that- what done is done."
"And can not be undone."
"Yes." I agreed. "But tell me why. Why did you make me do it?"
"I find you demanding answers to questions very unattractive Ms Swan."
For all things that are unwrong in the world, I didn't need this.
Please just give me an answer, I begged silently, I didn't want to waste any more brain cells on this.
"I'm not here to be attractive to you Mr Masen. I am merely being paid for what I do. If being attractive is part of the contract, open your eyes and look at me. I've never been attractive. The reason why you are extracting your sexual needs from me is because I'm easy to take advantage and a convenient fix."
Throughout all of my life I was easy, malleable Bella doll to others- puppet strings fucking included.
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed. He was speaking to me as if I was a kid unable to comprehend the world moving on with or without her.
"Listen to yourself Isabella, you're degrading yourself without necessary needs." His eyes were still closed.
"Why?" I asked again. It was the final time I was asking before stepping out and to never return.
"I'm not dignifying your curiosity with an answer. Our conversation ends now."
Bastard.
"You can take the day off and cool down." He commissioned and went back to his paperwork. Not casting a single glance my way.
With the blow to my guts I forced my feet to carry me out of there where I was not longer needed.
I went to retrieve my bag and coat on the desk before catching the elevator down to the ground floor.
One last look at Mr Masen's office door poured cold water over my head as I gathered my new learned position. A girl working in a sandwich deli had better chance earning his respect than I did.
As piece of me sank to the floor, I focused on bringing my breathing back to check and ignore the sting coming from the corners of my eyes.
On the eighth floor down, Irina from the marketing department entered into the elevator. She seemed hesitant to enter before making up her mind when there was another ding sounded- probably another elevator arriving at the same floor. It seemed to have brought her out of her reverie and she stepped into the metal box with soundly confident heels.
"Hi. Which floor?" I asked politely with a meek smile, my fingers hovering over the unlit buttons. Swallowing back the tears at bay.
She had a quick glimpse before coming back with a tactful smile. "That's fine, thank you."
Her voice was like running water down the slopes of a stream, slimy yet crisp and clear, enough to cut its way through stones and slip down the different levels.
"Okay." I smiled and stood back to a corner, keeping to myself.
She noticed my coat and bag, and was tempted to pull the 'bitch brow'.
What is wrong with you Bella? I asked myself. All morning I have been so irritable.
Edward Masen was not to make a bitch out of me. Edward Masen was not to make a bitch out of me. I chanted over and over.
"Isn't it a little too early on a Monday morning to be skipping the day Ms Swan?" She asked, something finally decided inside her. Was that menace I caught a scent of?
Embarrassed by the situation I subtly bobbed my head a little to use my hair to hide behind.
"Yes, I'm a little unwell this morning. Mr Masen has sent me home to rest."
"Ah the blessing of personal favors from the big boss. But then again, I guess you have earned it haven't you Ms Swan."
Meaning behind her words hung heavily in the air. What she had implied, I wanted to ignore but it'd finally came to haunt me.
She didn't have to say to out loud to let the world know that she knew.
Had he and I really have been so obvious?
"It's fine Ms Swan, I mean who wouldn't if presented with the opportunity? Guess I'm just not lucky enough." She winked an eye and appeared gleeful for catching me in such an undignified moment.
"Though I do have a bottom line-" She paused and looked me straight in the eyes, in the reflective walls of the elevator I now considered a trap of some sort. "- if a man gets me all slimy and teary during a blowjob I would have quit straight away."
She bat her eye again again.
Suddenly I was out of breath and eyes wide open.
"Well, I guess being dominated once in a while can be a little playful too, but I dun no." Her hand not holding a blue document file flew up to her head and began fluffing a few perfect blonde curves.
"You certainly didn't appear to have enjoyed it. I thought Mr Masen would be an excellent gentleman considering that he looks that way around the office. Have no idea he can get so demanding."
This elevator ride can not end soon enough I thought desperately as she continued.
"Here's your stop Ms Swan." Irina announced before I heard the sound of a ding. "Off you go now, free for the day. Not like the rest of us hard working employees."
The smile I see through the mirrored elevator wall was laced with malice, eyes expectantly looking at me, waiting for a come back.
Before I can hyperventilate I stepped out of the trap box and never looked back.
I kept my head down and marched out of the building right into the streets.
Putting my hands in my coat pockets to keep them from the chilly air, I felt the keys to the Mini cooper Mr Masen gifted me.
You disgrace of a human being. I called myself.
I should have said no when it was being offered.
What done can not be undone. I reminded myself the second time the same morning.
And then may be this cluster mess of shame and embarrassment wouldn't have happened.
Irina must have been the one who saw what happened last Friday afternoon.
Pray to your lucky star and hope it wasn't something she heard circulating the office! A voice panicked inside of my head.
Looking around me, the streets filled with people and thriving business- it was so different from when I used to walk to work on foot and after work. It was an isolated atmosphere that normally greeted me. The fitting scene to add to the isolation in my head.
Strangely the new street view freaked me out. So much life that I can not see below me outside of my windows whilst I sat on that desk levels above from this.
I decided to go into the Starbucks close by to order a coffee to go before setting my way home slowly.
The world was different when the morning merely broke into the city as I arrive at work and when the sun have only just set after work, there were many more colours compared to the orange and dark hued nights colouring the buildings and signs.
Perhaps it was a sign to quit what I was doing and explore the other opportunities in the city.
Whilst miserably trying to distract myself from the run in with Irina in the elevator, every sip I took out of the creamy yet slightly bitter beverage I was reminded every word and threat Irina had given me.
It made me want to throw the cup of liquid into the first bin I set sight on.
And I did, only to feel later that I'd put a good cup of caffeine to waste.
Refusing to return home, I took a long route home, making a zig zag across different streets but staying away from the alley ways.
On the way, I caught glimpses of art works displayed in galleries tempting me to go in to take a look.
The use of different colours, mediums and techniques artists uses to express their art combined together created a collage of wonderment. Obscured or real and solid. The different pieces of art became more tangible through the artists' expression.
I was not one to appreciate art in the way it deserves so I merely went back to walking down the street feeling defeated. Occasionally I imagined what life will be like being an artist like my mother, Renee. She was a free spirit who's ideas came and go very quickly.
And what will your art be Isabella? My words spoken to me in my head by Irina's voice. Being a glorified lover of the big boss?
My cheeks flushed with blood and I almost tripped.
After crossing a few streets and seeing a few more tourist attractions, without realizing, I arrived outside of the Volturi.
I stared at the elegant sign as patrons entered into the premise to got what would be their lunch. With the tenth couple going in, as if on autopilot I pushed open the front door and walked in, waiting by the reception stand to be seen.
I knew I wasn't here to dine, but I didn't know until words spilled out of my mouth.
"Please may I have my old job back?" I asked the almost familiar blonde haired girl.
I was speaking to Jane. She was at least half way through her twenties, but her petite frame made it hard to believe so.
"Is everything okay Bella? I thought you said your boss has been making things better for you?" She asked, almost concerned.
Jane had a chilling nature emphasized by her cool ghostly voice-and her shallow clear blue eyes. Her actions contradict her soothing words constantly. So most of the time it was hard to analyse reasons behind her motives.
"Yes he did. But I can't work for him anymore, please, can you help me?" I pleaded, my eyes implored for help. Anything other than Mr Masen at that moment will be the greatest of gifts.
She looked at me for a few seconds before deciding.
"Of course darling." She took my hand and led me to a private table on the top floor. "Wait here and let me speak to the boss."
Jane entered into the kitchen and took a few minutes before she came out, looked straight to my table and gave me what I'd imagine her reassuring smile can be.
The boss was a mysterious being whom I never saw or met before. I don't even know his or her name or age.
My interview and terms of employment was handled by Jane and her twin brother Alec.
However after a few seconds, I realised that Jane didn't make her way back to me. She was wrapped into the lunch hour serving the guests.
So, trying to stay out of the way, I remained seated and watched as people dined. Seeing patrons and guessing their stories, trying to figure out how their day went.
It took a few dozen of minutes before there was action on my table.
Edward Masen sat directly opposite me, seething.
"What are you doing here Isabella?"
I wanted to ask the same, but his eyes left no argument space.
"You gave me the day off Mr Masen, I'm spending it." My voice came out surprisingly steady.
"Don't waste your time, you won't be hired by the Volturi again, and I guarantee it."
"And why would that be, Mr Masen?" I asked, enraged by his hard to bear tone.
"If you haven't noticed from your time working here. I am a VIP." The way he spit the last part told me that his VIP status was beyond being an important diner.
There was the very possibility that he was the boss of the restaurant, and Jane went into the kitchen in order to snitch.
We were quiet for a moment, him waiting for his words to sink in.
"I'm sick of having to waste another second. Don't let me question your loyalty again." Words spat from his mouth too many times in one day. Then his voice softened, "I suggest you spend the rest of your day going to the mall or a boutique or somewhere you can get yourself dressed formally. You are going to the Charity dinner with me this Wednesday.".
Before I can say another word he stood and began to button his suit.
"I'll get someone to drop off your car outside your apartment this afternoon. I expect to see you at work on time tomorrow."
He left without a word when I said nothing back, and rendered me sitting there watching his back as he exited from the view of his favourite balcony table.
How did he know I'd left the car in the office carpark? He must have taken his car out to come to Volturi and spotted my car still parking in its place.
On his way, he and Jane crossed paths, their eyes caught each other- a look of understanding passed between them.
I felt the first sting of betrayal and foolishness upon seeing them like so.
I was a sheep, shepherded by these two people.
As realisation hit, I took my bag and stormed out of the restaurant.
I headed home, holed up in my frustration.
True to his words, my car was back to its place around seven o'clock that night. I noticed as I looked out of the windows before drawing the living room curtains.
Damn Edward Masen and his filth functional money that can get everything done.
Tuesday morning I turned up at work on time and had his coffee hot and ready, as if everything was back to normal.
He came into the his office, settled down and the day sailed smoothly until home time where he left before I did.
As I walked home, having left the Mini at home, I debated over giving my parents a call. It'd been close to two months since I'd last emailed Renee.
Later that night, I poured a glass of wine with the ringing phone sandwiched in between my ear and shoulder.
"Hello?" Renee answered on the fourth ring.
"Hey mom." I greeted making my way to the sofa, I pulled the throw hanging on the back of the sofa to keep myself warm in the chill of my lonely apartment.
"My Bella! How are you?" Excitement laced her voice. "And why haven't you been emailing?"
"Sorry mom, it's been a little bit busy at work." A small smile slipped onto my lips.
"But you have been taking care of yourself haven't you? When will you be coming to visit Forks? You know, Charlie and I are thinking of taking a trip down to Arizona. Since we will be down the country I'm trying to get Charlie to agree to go and pay you a visit in Chicago. Wouldn't that be great?" I imagined the glint inside of her eyes as her plan came to live through her words.
Renee was not the typical parent who demanded respect. It was easy to take her as younger than her age. She was lax in rules, for example, it was okay for me to refer to Charlie and Renee using their first name directly. Talking to her relieved a fraction of my recent worries just by listening to her excitement.
Though fear existed over how to explain my lack of job when they got to Chicago a little later in the year.
Hopefully I will get a replacement job before Charlie and Renee visited. I told myself.
They might not come to visit after some planning. I added as an after thought.
Renee went on to recount a few of Charlie's fishing trip with Harry, her art classes and a few local stories circulating Fork's community.
It took the better half of an hour before she handed the phone to Charlie.
We exchanged pleasantries before he asked about the can of pepper spray he sent with me to Chicago.
I looked to its place next to the key bowl and told him it was still good.
He told me he was going to order new ones to replace the one I've had, in case it didn't work anymore.
I thanked him and he passed me back to Renee who went on to try and grill me about my life.
I tried to be honest where I can but forgone anything personal to do with Mr Masen.
When the almost hour long phone call ended, I finished the wine and called it an early night as I didn't bring any work back from the office for the day.
Next day, during the middle of the afternoon when Mr Masen attempted to send me home to get ready for the charity dinner I told him he was going alone.
"What do you mean I'm going alone?" Anger was in his velvet voice.
"I went home after you left on Monday, sir. And I'm sure you can still find a perfectly good companion other than your secretary."
Deep inside I shouted that I refused to be paraded around as his whore.
"Isabella, this not a good enough reason. I'm sending you to a stylist team and they will get you ready for tonight. Do not go against me again. I've had enough of your... Disobedience." He spat the last word out.
He made the phone call in front of me, and in less than half an hour a driver came to escort me to a salon.
Escort was as good as forcing without physical element.
Once I was delivered into the company car, I was sent to one of the city's most lavish beauty establishment with a boutique style décor.
For several hours I was plucked, waxed and buffed. Feeling raw but nourished with expensive creams, oils and lotions immediately afterwards.
Along with a head to toe spa treatment was having makeup and hair styled for me. An outfit was picked- including underwear- and I felt violated after being assisted into the expensive designs.
I didn't make a fuss against the beauticians as I knew they were on the receiving end of Mr Masen's orders. It was unfair to use these people as a defiant act.
Perhaps going back to Forks to Renee and Charlie would have been a better idea.
A gate aggressively shut to the ground in my head. It warned that going back to the little town was a must not. Short-term immediate gratification in the form of a telephone call was an okay but going back to rely on parents was not a go.
There wasn't anything wrong with the little town or Charlie and Renee- it was the ambitious part of me that disagreed.
I wanted to carve something out for myself, and, for a little while it seemed that Mr Masen was going to help me get back on my feet. Now that it was crashing down in front of me, I decided I didn't want to flee. I wanted to fight for another chance- suitable not including Mr Masen.
Before I knew, I was standing in front of a full length mirror looking at the reflection.
My reflection shown a woman in a well made dress, looking exceptionally pampered.
I was trying to find traces of the normal me in the mirror when Edward came from behind and appeared in our reflection.
His hands wrapped around my waist whilst his eyes searched down the rest of my body.
"You look beautiful Isabella." Edward placed a small kiss on the shell of my ear, causing my blood to stir.
His lips continued down my shoulder, to the hollow in my collar bones.
"Promise me you'll be mine tonight, and at the end I'll make a promise you can not resist." Edward's green eyes were down cast, looking dejected. Appearing as though he was far away, yet he knew he was physically connected to me on this earth.
His arms tightened around me, urging for me to say yes.
Hearing the calling of his emotions and in respect of the contract I had yet to get myself out of, I nodded. Conscious of the ways he can have me for the night.
"Don't bow your head or look down." Edward's long digits came under my chin to lift my head, becoming level with his gaze in the mirror.
His vivid green eyes stared in my brown ones.
"Be confident, and don't let anything make you feel unworthy." He spoke the words gently.
"I was wrong to force you so far at the office." He referred to the blowjob from last Friday. "But you don't know me completely, there are things I tolerate and don't tolerate. You've overstepped a boundary, that was a punishment."
"So tell me why, and tell me when to expect things. I can't understand your moods if you don't tell me."
Frankly they were giving me mental whiplash.
"Later." He promised.
I breathed a sign of relief and mounded myself more comfortable in his shape. Previously I had twisted myself into an unsightly angle, trying to escape his arms. But as he'd demanded for me tonight, I allowed myself to show submission to him. Relaxing into him and observe our reflection in the mirror.
It was much into seven o'clock when Edward and I arrived at the charity dinner. By that time the media frenzy had already dispelled into relative calmness. Edward explained on the way there, that he'd arranged for us to make a late entrance in order to avoid most of the media. Nevertheless, the occasional flash of camera lights gave blind spots in my visions every time they caught my eyes open.
I was lucky that Edward was better at this than I and led me to the safety of the dinner hall inside of the hotel he and I always stayed together.
It was where the charity dinner was held. As expected, everyone of importance in the city attended along with representatives from charity organizations.
As the doors to the dinner hall was held open by the hotel staff, I caught the first of golden decorations adorning the room with levels of riches which clashed with posters of starved and less advantaged children. The bare reality portrayed in the posters was humiliated by the extravagance backing behind them.
The room emitted a strong message of wealth and political game at its finest- smiles and low laughs filled many people's face. Contrasting perfume hung in the air; spices, floral, musk and woody. Conjoined groups of people left a residue of moist warmth, sticking to the air surrounding them- yet the spaces not occupied was chilling.
Due to our late arrival, I guess Edward had already missed most of the social mingling time. He forgone greetings with the others and led me to one of the tables at the front. A handful of discussions in the room toned down and audiences around the room witnessed his hand on the small of my back, ushering me to the right place.
My eyes shot ahead toward the stage, resisting the need to look to the floor.
As we got to the seats reserved in Edward's name, Edward played the gentleman role and pulled out the chair for me before pushing it in as I sat.
"Thanks." I quietly whispered, unknowingly lowering my tone so that people can't hear my voice.
"Edward!" A joyous voice came from our left.
I was back on my feet swiftly after hearing the woman's voice.
The woman was in the prime of her fifties with a glamorous smile and old time grace.
"Hello Mrs Denali." Edward gently held her outstretched hands, she embraced him into a hug before kissing him on the cheeks. Edward released her and took her male companion's hand. "And you too Mr Denali."
Mr Denali's eyes had been staring at me the moment he noticed I was Edward's plus one. I tried to avert my eyes but I smiled shyly instead, hoping to show no ill will.
"Hello Edward." His eyes looked to Edward's sharply and they shook hands briefly before breaking off from each other.
"Lovely to see you darling, and who's this lady next to you?" Mrs Denali asked in wonder, looking at my dress up and down.
Edward put an arm around me and presented me boldly.
"Let me introduce you. Isabella Swan, my secretary and my plus one." Edward's voice was charming and a devilish smile stretched on his lips.
"Isabella, this is Mrs Carmen Denali. She is the host of tonight's dinner and the chairman of several charitable organisations."
"It's nice to meet you Mrs Denali."
"Nice to meet you too Isabella, you don't mind that I call you by your first name do you?" She asked with genuine interest.
"Not at all Mrs Denali." I smiled.
She took one of my hand and gave it a pat.
"Such a good child. Call me Carmen."
I agreed with a shy nod and she released my hand.
"And this is my husband-" Carmen put her hands on her husband's arm, holding his attention. "Eleazar."
"Nice to meet you Mr Denali."
"Same to you, Ms Swan."
Carmen sensed the rigidness and exchange a few lines with Edward before continuing her path as a social butterfly, dragging Mr Denali away with her.
"Mrs Denali is a very sweet woman." I commented as Edward helped me into the seat again.
"Yes she is." He agreed and alerted me back to my feet as people approached the table for dinner.
After introductions were made and dinner comers seated, conversation flowed and comments were occasionally thrown in about me. My hands wringed and twisted in the napkin on my lap when inside jokes were told and I forced smiles on my lips.
Sitting on the same table as highly influential and famous people made my dress feel too tight, my makeup too fake and my ears more sensitive to hearing implied negative comments. I was out of my depth despite seeing these people's familiar faces everywhere around the city.
When curious glances caught sight of me I was drinking more water than needed and my knees were jumping under the table. Edward's hand would seek mine when he noticed and stroke my thighs to sooth the nerves in my legs, all the while carrying on conversations mindlessly.
"Since I didn't get a chance to ask you about dinner choices, I've made your reservations for you." Edward whispered as entrée was served.
I was given an oriental dish with an elegant salad and decorative edible flowers.
Upon first taste, the delicately fried meat was tender and carefully balanced with the pepperiness of the flowers, some of which a little sweet from their own nectar.
"Was that any good?" Edward asked as he spooned through what appeared to be a soufflé.
"Yes. Thanks for ordering for me."
"Would you like some lobster soufflé?"
Hyper aware of curious eyes everywhere I gently shook my head and went back to pick up a piece of meat and flower using my fork.
Dinner continued in the same fashion with Edward and I discussing about the food served whenever he offered attention to me.
"Say, why don't you share your conversation Edward and Isabella. We don't bite you know." The city mayor, who was sat at same table winked. "We feel a little neglected outside of your little bubble."
I feel the blush creeping up on me and quickly commented that the food was good. People went on to snicker or seemed to pay me with more interest now that I'd openly addressed my opinion about the food with them.
My legs began to shake as adrenal past. Edward once again began stroking my thighs to calm my jumping bones.
After main course was finished I've had more than the daily recommended amount of water and I excused myself for the restroom.
I may have taken a little longer than expected. A few intervals of toilet trips happened as I sat shaken on the toilet seat after my business was taken care of.
I wasn't sure if I had it in my being to go back to the table again, and to face those wealthy faces.
Just as I got out of the stall to wash my hands my phone vibrated in my clutch.
After a thorough hand wash, I sought out my phone from the clutch pocket and opened a message from Mr Masen.
Come out now Isabella.
The message hid his demanding tone and no doubt, seething eyes which normally came with his commands.
I replaced the phone back into its pocket and hurried out of the women's washroom.
Immediately I was taken from behind and led to a corner.
"Why did you take so long Isabella?" Edward's velvet voice asked in earnest. My heart calmed down significantly after knowing that I was in relative safety and was not taken by a stranger.
"I'm scared." Honesty was the best policy at this point. Perhaps if I told the truth, Edward will understand and send me home.
"It'll be over soon. Come and have a dance with me, and then we will leave." His voice was determined so I knew there was no way of escaping any time earlier.
"Good girl." His arms tightened around me and tucked me into his body. His gave the side of my forehead a short kiss and led me out of the darkness of the corner, back on our way to the dinner hall.
a short distance away from the entrance of the dining hall, Edward took my clutch out of my hands and passed it to a staff walking in the halls.
"Take this to room 514 please." Edward ordered politely, slipping a thick bundle of bills underneath my clutch to the hotel worker.
The hotel worker set off in glee, pocketing the big tip.
As we approached the dinner hall, a handful of couples were already on the dance floor, swaying to the last remnants of the number they were dancing to.
Edward and I approached just as the live band started the next song; If you don't know me by now.
The backing vocals began as Edward placed his arm around my waist and we connected in the closed position, leaving not enough room between us for air.
His hold on me was steady and firm, guiding me to the tempo of the music. He helping me to swirl when parts of the song allowed.
"After this song finish, we will go back to our room. I have another proposition for us. It will be the last and with the heaviest impact." He said just before another swirl.
Once I've swirled, he encaged me in his arms again, for support and to keep me close.
Without a choice I stared into the silk material of his suit, following the patterns as they weaved together. Focusing on the orderly formation of the material allowed me to keep my emotions of sadness and frustration in check.
Listening and following what he ordered had been my duty since I came to work for him. Except his demands the past week have exceeded unreasonable depths and unjustified. No matter how absurd his ideas were in the office, because he was the boss I had no choice but to execute it precisely for him. Often it was rewarded by business deals and tricky case solved.
I'd been able to come into our agreement in the first place because I saw logic behind explanations, and I understood by trying to see things from his angle. Now that it was getting twisted and more sickly, it was hard to stomach the shame which came with trying to be what he desired.
Edward allowed my thoughts to wonder as the sound of music and lyrics flowed through the hall.
The song was an extended version, lasting longer that I'd anticipated.
Feeling the build up of pressure in me, my brave façade began to crumple.
Unconsciously I'd tightened my hold on Edward, his suit blazer rumpled where my hands on his shoulders were. I was grasping on to what I hoped was an anchor to keep me standing.
Perhaps ironically, I was drawing strength from him to remain strong, ready for what awaited me after this night. Whether I remain with him as his secretary or part ways.
"Relax. I'm not going to hurt you." He whispered, his thumb on my back drew comforting strokes.
How can you promise something that maybe you can't even control?
"People hurt people unknowingly, you understand don't you Edward?"
"If you are scared that I will leave you wounded then don't. What happened last Friday was a mistake. I may be a heartless monster, but I'm not entirely so when it comes to you. Believe it or not, I have your interests in my mind. I won't leave you unattended, even after all of this ends." He sucked in a deep breath, perhaps angry at himself for saying what he already did.
I can already see it- his regret and hesitance.
But he continued- "After you hear my offer, you will be rest assured.".
Just as he affirmed his words, the song ended. we swayed right into the next song.
Edward's blazing emerald eye held me captive. Something desperate and earnest shining through, reaching me.
Once broken out of the spell Edward swiftly left the dinner hall toward the ever so acquainted elevator, taking me beside him with the hold of my wrist.
Like a force to be beckoned with, Edward's hot step quickly led us towards the metal box. People seemed to have disappeared in our haste and I matched Edward's stride step by step.
As we got into the empty elevator, he punched for the right floor before taking my lips. Desire ignited from his essence into mine, leaving me with less oxygen to think and a body ready to faint.
The weekend apart was a long history gone, anticipation beat through my being with my drowning mind shouting a fool in my head.
I was one stupid lamb.
I have compiled a little playlist for the story which can be found on my profile, and a more specific track for the next chapter will be given in the update.
As ever, thank you for your support in the form of alerts, favourites and reviews. You've always given me lovely feedbacks without being negative or hostile despite TS being a morbid tale and lacking as a story.
The next update will not take as long as this one did and it will be posted as soon as can be.
Warning for chapter 12: as you may have noticed, this story covers ethically immoral situations with conflicting and contradictory themes. Chapter 12 is not pretty.
Until next time. x
Sunday 28th Sep 2014