The Mafia Connection
Chapter Three: Time to Shop
Bella Cullen
With that I was dismissed.
I headed into the school and made my way to class, I knew it was late but it wasn't the first time I had been late and my teacher wouldn't make a big deal about it.
It was an hour into the lesson when the tiredness began to set in hard. I skipped next period and headed to the library and pretend to be going over some notes when really I was just sleeping on my books. In my next lesson it was test time and thanks to those last ten minutes of study cramming in the library I sailed through it with plenty of time to check and re-check all of my answers. This is what Edward wanted, he wanted me to graduate and leave school hopeful for the future and what having my high school diplopia would mean for me.
When I reached the cafeteria at lunch Angela past by me and explained she couldn't stick around she had a dentist appointment but that Jessica was already waiting for me and had gotten me something to eat. I smiled warmly at her when I reached the table finding her there waiting for me.
"Mike and Tyler should be here any second." Jessica informed as I took a seat across from her.
"I wasn't sure if they had gotten a shift since I didn't see Mike in English." I replied.
I had barely taken a few mouthfuls of food when Jessica began to discuss her first shift at the club.
"So um, did he say anything to you about my performance last night?"
"I wouldn't know. He doesn't talk to me about that sort of stuff Jessica."
"But your his sister, I figured-" Jessica stopped when I looked her way and smiled in response to her stopping herself.
"I'm sure he was really proud of you." I assured her.
"Well he didn't mention it when he came over."
You mean when after he beat up a guy who was harassing me and broke his nose and probably jaw too in result. Shamefully I couldn't get the idea of him storming out of the club and going directly to her house. It appeared that they'd had sex and whatever they'd done had Jessica wanting more. I couldn't get over the idea of her running her hand up and down his length through his trousers, she was confident and I understood as another woman I should be encouraging her to be forthright about her sexual desires but I just couldn't. The more I thought about it, it seemed that Jessica had been with Edward longer than any of his previous...encounters.
"You probably know him better than I do." I told her.
"Well I know him pretty well but your his little sister. So I'm sure he tells you all kinds of things he won't tell me."
I met her gaze "He's not keeping anything from you Jessica. Believe me, that I can promise you."
Jessica scanned around us before leaning in and whispering to me "It's just hard sometimes, considering how many..."
I nodded my head and understood fully what she was attempting to say.
"There's been girls after Edward for as long as I can remember."
"Yeah" She agreed and mustered a pretty convincing smile "I just, I don't know I really like him."
"Yeah I'm getting that." I told her and she laughed.
"But I'm not gonna get serious on him. He's not ready for anything like that, neither of us are but...I just really like him, how he is different, I even like it when he's at his worst."
"Cullen's blood runs warm. At least that's what my father's been saying since he knew we understood him."
I studied her for a moment and watched her eating her lunch before I asked her.
"Why haven't you ever asked to come over for dinner at our place?"
She looked up at me "I wouldn't do that to Edward. Dinner with the family is a big deal. He's not there yet."
"And you're okay with that?"
"Strangely yeah, I mean sometimes sure I'm only human I think it would be nice but then I remember, I'm working for you guys now and you don't mix that sort of stuff."
"But you're dating the boss."
"I'm not dating the boss, I'm dating my boyfriend."
She just had a way about her, she kept it all so simple when I would have been a train wreck. She wasn't being uptight or forcing me to believe a lie, she was actually genuine and it was very refreshing to me.
"Are you performing tonight?" I asked her.
She nodded "I am," she checked around to ensure no one was listening to us.
We all kept our mouths shut about the fact that we worked at Cullen's Candies as we still in our senior year. Even though Mike, Tyler and Jessica were all eighteen I was still only seventeen and had to be careful.
"What are you wearing on stage?" I whispered.
"A red leather bodycon dress." She whispered before she continued "I started with that, then about thirty seconds into the performance I'll begin playing with the zipper and straps to tease the crowd. Then I'm thinking for the finale, I'll remove the dress and have my bra and panties still on."
I nodded my head.
"That's when I'll hit the pole hard because I can't with the dress on."
"What positions are you thinking for the pole?"
"Oh just a few spins nothing that requires muscle or strain, the lingerie I plan to wear is so delicate and sheer."
Jessica then leaned in to whisper to me "Do any of the other girls wear tassels?"
I shook my head "No, I don't think so. But I don't look up at the stage that often."
Jessica sighed and asked "And what about his office? I didn't see any of you guys up there with him last night. What's the deal?"
"What deal?"
"Well, how come he's always by himself up there?"
"It's just the way he prefers it."
Jessica nodded and shrugged it off which I was grateful for.
I decided to go against my better judgment and ask the question weighing on me.
"So Edward came over to your place after you finished your shift?"
"Yeah I wasn't expecting him. It was a good thing I was in the apartment myself. My dad was down the block at a poker game."
"A nice surprise?"
"Mmm hmm" Jessica hummed in approval and the smirk on her face told me everything I needed to know.
I nodded my head and turned back to the table to pick up my fork and then the question left my mouth before I could stop it.
"Did you sleep together?"
The expression on Jessica's face said it all, the wide grin and the blush in her cheeks was a clear indication that she was happy.
Jessica then sighed "Your his sister I can't talk to you about that, it's too uncomfortable for you."
"...I clean a strip club." I reminded her.
"But still I'd rather be respectful."
"I doubt Angela's going to be around for you to tell her. She's been waiting on that dentist appointment for a while."
Why was I pushing this poor girl so hard to tell me about her sex with my brother? I didn't know why but the more I thought about the fact that Jessica and Edward had been together, that Jessica had slept with him and was able to get her hands all over his body, the more it pissed me off.
"It's still not right." Jessica said and closed the subject completely.
My last few classes of the day were enough to put me to sleep but thankfully I was starting to wake up now that the day was coming to an end. But tonight I was sure to sleep hard and I would be sleeping in my own bed and not working which was a relief.
After my last class I made my way back to my locker to collect all my books now that it was finally the weekend. I didn't have anything I had to study but my plan was to get ahead in a few of my classes which I often did on the weekends I wasn't working at the club which was very rare. On the weekends the club was packed, I had always suspected Edward took me off the rota on the weekends as that's when it was most out of control. Jessica was working tonight and Edward was at the club almost every night, he never slowed down, he didn't know how to stop.
Once I had all of my books from my locker and stuffed them into my backpack.
"Hey are you ready to go?" Jessica asked behind me.
"I thought you were working?" I asked her.
"Yeah I am. Edward is outside, he's taking us to the club."
Wait Edward was here again? What was going on?
"No I'm not working." I told her
"Tell that to him because he says you're on tonight."
"No I don't work weekends."
"Bella he's not going to argue with you."
I closed my locker door and followed her outside, sure enough Edward's car was there.
Edward was leaning against the passenger door while speaking with Mike and Tyler when we reached them it seemed I wasn't the only one who didn't know they were working tonight.
"Can't believe I got eight hours tonight man, thank you. I appreciate it." Tyler said to Edward who merely nodded in response.
"Numbers must be good if we're getting pulled in."
"Be there for five." Edward said before signaling for Jessica and I to get into the car.
I watched Mike and Tyler make their way over to the school bus before I opened the door to the backseat to climb inside despite Jessica offering to give me the passenger seat. Edward got into the car after us and I looked out the window when I saw him lean over towards Jessica who was surprised but more than pleased to receive the kiss from him.
I found my gaze wandering back to them, watching how his hand caressed her cheek and the way she was smiling like a kid at Christmas.
Edward then turned away from her and started the engine.
"So Bella's working tonight?" Jessica asked him.
"Yes."
"I don't think I should be there this weekend." I said.
"Why is that?"
"Because it's the weekends and your club is packed, I've heard some of the girls talking."
"And?"
I clenched my teeth together before I finally summoned the courage to say "I don't want a repeat of last night."
"Why what happened last night?" Jessica asked
He didn't tell her? He actually didn't?
"Nothing out of the ordinary." Edward calmly replied as he drove away from the school then.
I rolled my eyes, I could see his reflection in the wing mirror, his eyes were on me and his gaze was stern and unyielding.
When we pulled up at the club Edward kept the engine running and shifted his attention towards Jessica.
"Head inside. I have to go somewhere and I'm taking Bella with me."
"Sure" Jessica said not seeing me wide eyed in the backseat.
I pressed my lips together when the two of them shared a single kiss. Jessica stepped out and began to put on her jacket. I sighed and unbuckled myself before I began to slide between the gap between the front seats.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"Just stay quiet." He told me as Jessica made her way around the front of his car and towards his window which was still down.
"Have fun" She said to him and waved at me through the windscreen.
He pulled away from the curb and sped off in the opposite direction, he was heading into the city but the more we drove the more I began to suspect something was up. This was about what Jessica had told him this morning, that I believed he didn't love me despite being my brother.
"If this is about this morning."
"Quiet." He repeated sternly.
Neither of us said a word to the other as he drove us into the city. I'd never been here before and nothing could prepare me for what came next. Despite working as a cleaner for a strip club my jaw still dropped when Edward pulled his car up in front of a lingerie store.
"What's going on?"
"Get out."
"No"
"Get the fuck out!"
With that he was already climbing out of the driver's seat and slamming the door behind him. I unbuckled and opened my own door before he had a chance to drag me out of the car. When he slammed the car door behind him and walked around the bonnet towards the store, I hurried to follow him.
"Father could still change his mind. I might not be going on stage."
"He's not changing his mind and I'm not seeing you going up there wearing the trash from those dressing rooms."
"I've worn worse."
He didn't say anything, instead he took his hand in mine and led me towards the doors. I had prepared myself for the worst of the worst but inside the place was breathtaking. It was elegant, the mannequins wore gorgeous and tasteful pieces.
"Oh...this is..."
"The standard I expect." Edward said beside me.
The walls were a warm cream colour, the light was golden and there were three women inside who were all dressed beautifully in their black suits and crisp white shirts.
I could barely move, I couldn't bring myself to. This was where Edward bought his dates lingerie?
"Mr Cullen" One of the sales assistants came over to us with a warm smile.
I was surprised that she kissed his lips and that he returned it, it was very brief and nothing more than a quick peck but I still found it hard to watch.
"We've been expecting you."
The sales assistant looked towards me then and extended her hand for mine, I noted the large engagement ring and wedding band on her finger and was instantly in awe of her.
"I'm Paris. Your boss has told me so much about you."
Boss? Why didn't he just say what I was? I'm his sister first surely before I was his future dancer. What was he up to?
"This is the first time you're shopping with us?" Paris asked.
"Uh yes."
"Well then we better get you started. Come with me."
Paris led us further into the store and I couldn't take my eyes off our surroundings, noting the white sofas and glass tables, the soft lighting around the mirrors, the beautiful art on the walls and the crystal chandelier above us.
Paris led us into a corner of the store away from everyone else, Edward kept his hand in mine as we took a seat on one of the white sofas as Paris sat down upon a hardback white armchair with gold trim. I was surprised when Edward pulled me closer to him as we sat down, his thigh touching mine as his arm snacked around the back of the couch.
"Now Edward what do you want for this one?"
This one? Did she not see me sitting here? I could talk. And what did she mean this one? Did he bring other girls here? Other dancers?
"Elegance."
"Mmmm" Paris said nodding her head before crossing her legs.
"She'll need all of the classic colours of course, I'd like to see her in something black, prehaps lace."
I had to look up at him then, he was giving her instructions about me, about what to sell me, what would suit me?
"And in the way of bras, what are your thoughts? Push up? Balcony?"
"Balcony. Something with a little lift and a plunging neckline."
Paris smiled and nodded her head.
"She has a lovely figure, you can do a lot with her."
I blushed at her words and lowered my gaze.
"Including lingerie there are many items she will require." Edward said
"Garter belts? Stockings?"
"I suspect we'll need more."
"Well we could also get her a corset."
"Corsets are too much hassle, not worth the money."
I wasn't a doll, they weren't buying me toys to dress me up.
"How do you feel about putting her in a baby doll?"
"It would depend on the colour and fabric."
"What would be tasteful in your eyes?"
"A light grey or white. Silk would be suitable."
"We've recently received a new shipment of silk babydolls. Very soft and comfortable."
"There of course will have to be a few leather pieces."
"Oh that goes without saying."
"She will require fishnets too but only the best material. No expense spared."
"And in the way of heels what would you like for her?"
"She'll require great height."
"We can do that. Do you have a preference in shape? Square toe, pointed, peep toe, round toe."
"Pointed. And she'll need clear pumps."
"Classic, clean." Paris nodded in agreement as they continued their conversation about me as if I wasn't even there.
"I like the look of the stilettos with a strap. It's sexy."
"Agreed."
"What colours do you think for her?"
"Red is too common. Purple would be better, silver would be good too. Of course a black or brown pair would be tasteful. Black and white would be appropriate."
"What would be a suitable heel size?"
"At least four inches. No make that six."
"Six is certainly doable. What about her hair? Do you plan to keep her brunette?"
"She'll be featured in many wigs."
Wigs? I'm gonna be a blonde one night then a red head on another?
"And do you plan to have any enchanments made?"
"No she won't require surgery. She's perfect."
That was all I heard...she's perfect.
My brother was talking about me. Me. His sister, his blood, his flesh and blood, his own blood, his little sister, his siter.
He thought I was perfect?
I'd never been described as perfect in my entire life, no one had ever seen me that way and I was sure that no one ever would.
But here was Edward Cullen sitting right beside me telling a stranger that I was perfect.
"Do you have any thoughts on her underwear? Would you like her to have matching sets?"
"No, not everything needs to match"
"And what type of underwear would you prefer for her?"
"Boy shorts would be fine. No thongs, and no tanga's, they're not appropriate for her."
"So not like your typical dancers?"
"Bella has a unique brand."
"Boy shorts would be difficult to remove during a routine, even for the most skilled of dancers."
"Bella isn't a normal dancer."
"Oh I didn't mean to insinuate that. But at the same time the underwear must make a strong a statement as the bra or other garmets."
"That is true. Bella is a class act, her underwear should be of the same standard."
"Of course. And how much would you like her to reveal?"
"Reveal?"
"The audience will obviously expect her to show her breasts."
I felt Edward tense up beside me and it caught me off guard more than their conversation.
"Well, Bella if you'd like to follow me. I trust you will be remaining with us, I'll bring her out when she's ready for you."
"No" Edward said as she rose to her feet.
"You've always wanted to review our selection in the past."
"Not today. Today I have other plans."
"Very well." Paris said and took me by the arm.
"What are your plans?" I asked him.
"None of your concern. Just do as you're told and don't keep me waiting."
I followed Paris towards the fitting room where she closed the door behind us. She looked me over then before she took my purse from me and sat it down.
"Come and sit" She gestured to a small bench inside.
"You've left a man like that waiting for you? How long have you been together?"
"We're not together."
"He's buying you lingerie. He's a man who knows his stuff, you could tell. You've been seeing each other for a while."
"He's my brother."
"Your brother?"
"Yes."
"I'm so sorry. I assumed that the two of you were a couple."
"Things aren't so glamorous where we could from. So feel free to react to a sister working at her brother's strip club." I said before shrugging my shoulders "Trust me there are worst things."
"I work in lingerie business, I've heard worst things."
"Thanks."
"Now I'll go out and select what Edward and I have discussed for you and-"
"Actually, you don't need to do that."
"And why not?"
"I'm not staying. I'm just sticking around until I know he's gone."
"I don't understand."
I smiled at her "He didn't tell me we were coming here and I have plans of my own as strange as a thought that might be for him to understand."
I got up to my feet.
"Wait, what do I tell him when he comes back here and you're gone?"
"Tell him, I had to leave. Tell him, I'm sorry."
With that I grabbed my bag and headed out of the fitting room and across the shop floor. I couldn't help but look back, looking through the gaps in the racks of clothing as Paris stood there with her arms crossed over her chest. She was watching me and when she saw that I had spotted her, she sighed and shook her head before disappearing into the store room.
I was glad to step out onto the street and breathe in the fresh air, I was surprised how much I'd enjoyed being in there until Edward and Paris started to talk about me and what I would wear.
I made my way down the street and towards the subway. My feet were hurting, my heart was pounding and I had a terrible headache, I knew it was probably a bad idea for me to have done what I had just done, but at the same time it had felt good. It had felt great.
It wasn't often I felt the urge to stick it to Edward Cullen and do the opposite of what he wanted but today it had come naturally to me and I was pleased with myself. I wasn't happy about what was going to happen to me or what would become of me now.
But still, the way Paris and Edward had talked about me was humiliating and made me feel like an object instead of a human being. They had even made the suggestion of making enchantments to my body, they had talked about me getting implants!
As if I would ever get breast implants for the sake of my job.
I wasn't going to become a dancer, not only did I not want to be one, I'd never have the confidence to get up on that stage much less make men want me. Jessica had skills, she'd made her first time up there look so flawless. If anything I'd want her advice on the matter, she was the one with all the talent, the skills, the ability, the experience. I wasn't a stripper, I wasn't a dancer, I was just a girl, an ordinary girl. But then again so she was, and today at lunch I was close to making her feel uncomfortable and I was sorry about that. I didn't know what was wrong with me lately but I had to get myself back under control and quickly.
I think deep down I wanted a relationship, a bond, a connection. I wanted to know how it felt to be wanted by someone, to be desired and touched. I'd never had a boyfriend, I had three well known and very intimating older brothers.
I'd spent most of my life scared, not of them, not of the outside world, but scared of my own shadow, of myself and of my mind.
I'd rode the subway for a while and missed my stop a few times so that I had time to clear my head. It wasn't until I felt ready that I finally decided to head home for dinner. It was darker now and the second I stepped into the apartment block I could smell the recipe of my great grandmother's famous lasagna.
"Oh no." I gasped and began to run up the stairs.
My great grandparents never visited unless there was trouble, the last time they visited was when Emmett had almost gone to prison. When I got to the front door I quickly stopped remembering myself and quickly used the sleeve of my jacket to remove the pink shaded lip balm I had on my lips. My great grandparents were old fashioned, they would not approve of the modern day women or the make up that came with them.
I straightened out my clothes and quickly checked my hair before opening the door and heading inside. The first thing I noticed was the talking, there were different voices this time but familiar voices none the less. I made my way down the hall stopping dead when I arrived at the sitting room and stared over at the dining room table. At the head of the table sat my father, at the other end sat my great grandfather. My father had changed his clothes, he was wearing one of his best suits, indeed all of my family were dressed impeccably.
Edward was seated where he belonged at my father's side but next to him to my surprise was Jessica. Across from Edward was Emmett who had his arm around the back of the chair where Rosalie sat by his side. What was happening right now? Had I stepped into the twilight zone?
My father looked over his shoulder and smiled.
"There she is"
My great grandfather rose to his feet and I made my way towards him, he kissed my cheek before holding my face in his mighty yet scarred hands.
"Look at this beauty. How is it that she's already seventeen? It seems like only yesterday she was a little girl."
"So seventeen years before you had your last" My great grandmother said from her seat across from him.
I blushed and smiled nervously.
I made my way over to her and leaned down to kiss her cheek although she didn't look my way. It didn't bother me, she had been proud of my mother and her efforts to give my father sons. Then I had appeared and suddenly they only visited when they were needed.
"You're late." My grandmother said as I took the only empty seat left between Jasper and Rosalie.
"I lost track of time."
"She is a good girl, grandmother I assure you of that." My father said.
"Yes. Good girls don't work at strip clubs." My grandmother snapped.
My stomach sank and I stared down at my plate.
"Grandmother, please"
"She should be married by now, they should all be married. We were married at their age and we managed fine."
Managed fine? They were drug dealers.
"Times are different, mother."
"Different!" My grandmother shouted slamming her hands on the table causing me to jump.
"Look at her! She is a young woman and yet she is not married. Not one of you is married and no doubt that is due to these new ways of doing things. The women now have power and no man is able to take it from them."
"It's not about taking it from them, they give it up themselves."
"Do not correct me."
My father smiled and took a sip of his wine. I attempted to reach for the bottle nearest me but I locked eyes with Edward over the chatter around the table and he shook his head.
I sighed and folded my hands in my lap.
"Bella your great grandmother was just saying she believes Rosalie is carrying a boy." My mother said.
I forced a smile and nodded.
"She's right. Rosalie is carrying a son."
"Of course I'm right."
"A baby boy, another Cullen."
"Yes, yes, another strong man."
I glanced over at Rosalie who was smiling and laughing, I could see the sadness in her eyes.
"What have you been doing with yourself, Bella?"
"Oh well, I'm studying."
"Studying."
"For college."
"She's not going to college." My father and great grandfather said at the same time.
"Of course not." My grandmother added.
"It's not a bad thing for a woman to be educated." Jasper said.
"Jasper!" His mother snapped.
"I didn't mean it like that. But Bella is smart, she should go."
"And do what?"
I looked to my great grandmother then and smiled despite her dark eyes being full of rage.
"Teach."
"Teach?"
"I'd like to be a teacher."
My grandmother stared at me before looking towards my mother who smiled and shrugged.
"Bella can be a teacher if she wants to. She has no other responsibilities. Why not let her study and go off to college. She could be the first female teacher in the family."
"Teachers are respected, teachers are well paid, teachers are loved."
"Do you know what I was doing at her age?" She asked my mother who instead of answering took a sip of wine.
"I was raising my first born and look how well he turns out." She said and looked down to my father.
"Three sons, three strong boys. A good business and many women in his life."
Those of us who had compassion cleared our throats and shifted the conversation quickly.
"How long are you staying in town for?"
"Until the family is as it should be." My great grandfather said
Translation until my brothers were married and I was at the very least engaged.
"For as long as we stay here things will be kept as they should." My great grandmother said "I will not have the future wives not living under this roof anymore. The girls will be living here."
"Grandmother we have little room. And-"
"We had even smaller rooms. And we made do." She looked to Rosalie and Jessica "Your fathers should be ashamed that you're both still living at home. You will be living here during our stay."
"It's not the way we do things." My mother said.
"They will be married, she is carrying his son and this other one has proven loyalty by coming to work for the family before they are married. They will be living here."
"I don't think that will be a problem, grandmother."
"I actually have my own apartment." Rosalie said.
Emmett leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
"You shouldn't be living alone. Cullen babies always come early. And by the looks of him-" She pointed to Emmett "You will need help with delivery. He will be a big boy."
Rosalie quickly placed her hand over her belly and Emmett kissed her cheek.
I stood up and began to clear the plates and my mother quickly left the table and headed towards the kitchen.
"So you two are in school together?"
"Yeah we're in a few classes together too. Partners in crime." Jessica replied "Oh no not crime. Just school."
She made my great grandfather laugh then which was a welcomed sight. I even found myself on the verge of smiling until I realized Edward was watching me.
"I think we're done here." My mother said.
I quickly moved around the table and began to collect the dishes.
"Bella let me help" Jessica offered.
"I can handle it."
Jessica stood up and made her way towards the kitchen with me, the whole time I was aware of Edward's eyes on my back.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for."
"I'm sorry that they've dragged you into all this." I said
"Dragged? It was Edward's idea."
"What?"
"He asked me if I'd like to meet his family and have dinner. I had no idea they were..."
"Criminals."
"Well yeah."
"Yeah we're not the first generation. They started all of this the week they pulled into port."
"Get dressed." Edward said appearing behind us then.
"Why?"
"You're working this weekend remember" Jessica said "I'm heading back to the club with you guys."
I looked to Edward "You're giving us a ride...again?"
He said nothing Jessica turned and kissed him once before leaving the kitchen. I was about to explain myself and what had happened this afternoon but he left before I could say a word.
I was exhausted.
And the night had only just begun.
We wasted no time getting ready, Emmett and Jasper left to take Rosalie back to her place to pack a few things and would join us later for their shift. When I made my way downstairs I found Edward with his coat wrapped around Jessica as they kissed against his car. I watched as his tongue slid along her bottom lip before he pulled away.
He didn't even noticed I'd opted to wear his jacket to go to the club.
When we arrived at the club it was busy and the bouncers were trying to speak to Edward as he past them but he shook his head and continued to walk us in.
"Are you okay?" Jessica asked me.
"I'm fine."
"Good."
We went straight inside and Edward kissed Jessica before leaving her side not looking my way even once. I had barely said goodbye to her when someone came up behind me ushering me forward upon their command. My heart thundered in my chest as I looked over my shoulder to discover it was Edward and he did not look happy.
"Come." He commanded.
I followed him, I'd known better than to refuse. We headed upstairs with his hand wrapped tightly around my arm guiding me down every dark hallway he wanted until finally we reached the door to his office. Edward reached into his pocket and retrieved a black card which he swiped through a small machine before pushing the door open.
I hesitated and slowly stepped forward into his office. I'd never been inside of his office. I was always afraid of the things that would happen inside this room.
It was nothing like I imagined, he activated a few buttons on a sensor behind me and the lights came on, but there weren't ceiling lights. There were lights built into the walls that revealed themselves, all of them turning a blood red. My eyes scanned around the room, the dark wooden floors, the black leather couch set and matching armchairs to my right. The large glass desk at the far end of the room right in the centre of the wall, with a large black plush chair. The walls were all red except the wall behind the desk, that was a deep black.
Edward made his way past me and towards his desk. I watched him move, his body was tense, I could see the tension in his muscles.
I made my way over to the one chair opposite his desk, I slid down into it surprised by it's softness. I watched Edward on the other side of the desk, he reached down towards a remote control upon it's glass surface and aimed it in the direction of the full length windows that looked down onto the club floor. From the ceiling a black screen lowered itself down and blocked the view of the club below.
"Edward, please tell me what's wrong. Why did you drag me up here?"
Edward then made his way towards me and I gripped the armrests of the chair in response. He grabbed my wrist in his hand before bending over to hoist me out of the chair and up over his shoulder.
"Put me down!" I shouted hitting his back and kicking my legs.
Edward ignored me he proceed forward to the black door across from his desk. Once again he took out his card and swiped it. The door opened and we stepped inside.
It was pitch black and suddenly the lights were activated, a soft white light lit up the room revealing the room to me as Edward settled me down to my feet at last. My jaw dropped feeling him behind me as the room lit up and revealed the truth behind the need for security. The black satin bed wasn't what captured my attention, it was the mirrors on the ceiling, the rows of wips, paddles, whips, ropes, chains, gags, vibrators, dildos and other items I had no idea what they did.
I stared in shock at the scene before me and then suddenly the door was closing and Edward was right behind me. He took my hand in his and led us over to the bed. He sat down on the bottom of it after releasing my hand from his mighty grip.
"What is this place?"
"Take off your clothes."
"What? No!"
"Don't test my patience. You will be on that stage in less than five days. So like I said take off your clothes."
"No."
"You will do as I say, or do I have to do it for you?"
"I'll scream."
"The room is soundproof."
I screamed anyway, I screamed at the top of my lungs but there was no reaction. Not a single one, Edward remained seated on the bed looking up at me, his face expressionless.
"I am not taking off my clothes for you. You are my brother first before you are my boss."
"Take them off don't make me rip them."
"No!"
Edward stood up and grabbed my throat with one hand, my hands flew up and attempted to pry his off of me.
"Screw you"
"Say that again."
"Screw. You."
Edward glared at me then, his nostrils flaring and his jaw clenched.
"I hate you."
"I hate you too. Now strip."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Life isn't fair Bella." He let me go then and returned to the same spot on the bed. "Now strip."
"No."
I gulped and stared back at him "Why can't I just wait until...my first night on stage?"
"Because I have a job for you and I need you ready."
"Ready?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Now take your clothes.."
I stared at him and he stared back at me, the only sound was our heavy breathing.
"I'll do it."
"Then do it."
I turned my back to him.
"Don't test me." He hissed.
I sighed and turned back around to face him fully.
"Am I supposed to...dance?"
"Don't be ridiculous"
"I don't know how to strip."
I gulped and stared down at his black shoes, his shiny dress shoes.
I reached up and wrapped my hands around the zipper on the front of his jacket and slowly pulled it down, my eyes were on his the entire time, I could see the tension building. Once the jacket was off I held it in my hands unsure of where to put it, but he took it from me and threw it to the ground.
I stared down at the jacket lying on the floor and gulped.
"Your top next"
My eyes went to the ceiling and I tried not to focus on the fact that I was stripping for my own brother, I was about to remove my shirt. I was about to reveal myself, my bare skin to him.
"You're wasting time."
"I hate you."
I brought my hands back to the front of my shirt and pulled it up and over my head, I folded it neatly and held it in my hands.
"Now the pants."
"No."
"Pants, now."
I turned around and faced the wall, I could see his reflection staring back at me. I undid my pants and slid them down, once again folding them and placing them on the floor next to me.
"Your bra, and panties."
"But I thought-"
"The bra, and panties."
"...Fine."
I unhooked my bra and slipped it off my arms slowly until my eyes met his and then I went even slower. His eyes narrowed and he growled.
"Hurry up."
"Why should I?"
I slid my bra off completely and held it in my hands, I could see him, his reflection, his eyes on my breasts.
"Do it now."
I covered myself with one hand and used the other to toss the bra at him, I couldn't help but smile seeing his reflexes as he caught the bra mid air.
"Your panties."
I slowly moved my hands away from my breasts, his eyes were drawn to the movement. He stared at me as I revealed myself to him, his eyes travelled along my bare skin.
"I said now."
"No."
"Fine."
Edward stood up and was at my side in seconds, he grabbed me and pushed me back until I hit the wall.
He grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head.
"Let go of me."
"I'll let you go when you remove those panties."
"Never."
"Don't try my patience."
"Fuck you."
Edward stared at me his eyes wide and his jaw clenched, he pressed himself up against me his body crushing mine.
"Say that again."
"Let go of me."
"Take off the panties, Isabella."
"No."
Edward stared at me and I stared right back at him for once as my hands reached up to my panty line.
"Take them off."
"No."
"Isabella..."
I gulped and hooked my thumbs into my panties slowly lowering them until they were just a few inches below my hips.
"Lower."
"No."
"Isabella.."
"No. You'll have to do it yourself."
"Don't push me."
Edward then pinned my hands above my head and I reminded him "I can't move now."
He leaned forward and whispered into my ear "Lift your legs."
I gulped and lifted both of my feet off of the floor, Edward pulled my panties off and then lowered me to the ground.
I stared back at him as Edward proceed to slid my panties into the pocket of his pants.
Edward backed away from me.
"Keep your hands pinned above your head."
"Why?"
"So that you don't attempt to cover yourself."
"That's exactly what I want to do. Cover myself."
"Don't. Move."
Edward then looked down upon my body, studying me as I was going to be one of his strippers, I knew he would have to check for any scars or birthmarks he may not have been aware of. He'd never even seen me in a bikini before so I suppose in a way I did understand this side of it.
I didn't know why but without orders I slowly spun around on my bare feet and faced the wall revealing my ass to him for the first time. I looked down at my nipples and they were painfully hard, my entire body was reacting to him and not just him but the situation.
This was Edward.
He stared at me like that for what felt like forever before he said, "Good."
"Am I done here?"
"Turn back around"
I turned back around and faced him.
"Satisfied?" I asked
"Not for years." He replied. "But I only have to wait five more days."
"Five days? You want me to work the night of my birthday?"
"I'm not talking about work."
"Then what are you talking about?"
Edward turned around and headed for the door.
I pressed my lips into a line and called "You still have my...panties."
He didn't respond, he just walked out the room leaving me alone.
What just happened? What did I just do for him? And what the hell was this room all about?