Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

PlayList: Hitchhiker – Demi Lovato

Chapter 7 The Contract

He placed his plate down at the head of the table and held out the chair to his left for me. I put the plate down and took my seat, he gently adjusted me closer and then took his own seat.

For the first few minutes we sat in silence just enjoying the meal. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he cut a piece of his salmon and slipped it into his mouth.

That mouth was going to drive me wild.

"I thought we could take things slowly tonight? After dinner I'd like to discuss our arrangement and what it will entail."

He glanced at me as I placed a forkful of rice into my mouth- it was wonderful, tangy with small chunks of mango and cilantro, with the tiniest hint of lime.

"I have the paperwork you filed with Tanya, but I'd like to discuss your concerns and iron out anything that will help to make you more comfortable here." Edward looked at me and took another bite; swallowing before he continued.

"Don't misunderstand, just because we are fleshing out a contract doesn't mean that it's set in stone. Relationships can grow and people can change their manor of opinion, but your interest and safety is my utmost concern. You will always come first with every decision I make, I will push your limits, and work you hard…" He smiled wickedly at me. "But all the while, you'll be safe with me. I'll never force you to do anything I know you can't handle."

He watched me, but I kept my face blank. Trying to decide what his words meant. I wasn't afraid of him. Truly, I wasn't. I knew if we were ever to progress in our relationship that I would have to trust him and even though that wasn't an easy thing for me to do, I would give in to the desires I felt and commit to him.

For him, I would certainly try. After all, I wanted this. I wanted it more than I wanted anything, and I tried to stay away from this lifestyle, even after everything that happened to me. I just couldn't though.

"Finish up." He told me as he stood from the table and exited back into the kitchen with his empty plate.

I slid my fork through the small piece of salmon and brought it up to my mouth. The brown sugar rub was sweet with just the right amount of spice.

Good looking, wealthy, and a conservative dominant that could cook a good meal…

I had to be dreaming, everything in my brain should be screaming to run the other way. That this was too good to be true; there was no way I could get lucky enough to find a decent man who would treat me right and fulfill all my needs. Good things like this just didn't happen for me.

Could they?

I gather my half-finished dinner and brought the plate into the kitchen. My eyes immediately fell on Edward; he was sitting on a stool at the center of the kitchen at the waist high island hunched over a good sized pile of paperwork.

I brought my plate to the sink with every intention of washing it when he stopped me.

"Leave it, come here." He said without even glancing at me, remaining still hunched over the paperwork, I went to his side and waited.

"Our preferences are similar; did you know that? We can work on your hard limits together. To put you at ease, I do not condone gun play or edge play for that matter."

I was almost certain he could hear the sigh of relief I'd let out.

"Now, the one snag I see here is your concern with chastisement."

He glanced at me, looking for an explanation I assumed.

I felt the bile rise to my throat.

You knew this would come up…

"I-I" I started to stutter out.

He quickly stepped in, I'm sure seeing and sensing my hesitation and fear.

"I'll have you know," He started "I'm an artist with a leather strap." He mused, "I know what I'm doing, where to strike you without causing any permanent damage…. but all the same, if it would make you more comfortable for punishments, I don't have a problem using the Cat or a Scourge until you're more trusting. I do not use canes and that obviously that is totally out of the question for you anyhow."

Yes, the cane was out of the question, that evil piece of equipment would be my undoing if we ever met again.

But a Cat…my back side stung just thinking about that. The Scourge wouldn't be much better, but a paddle or strap…I wasn't sure I could handle anything like that again, or at least not immediately. My memories and fears were too fresh…even if Edward was the 'Artist' he claimed to be.

"I understand you are experienced, and I trust that you'll keep my welfare in mind when it comes to chastisements and punishments. If it's all the same, I would appreciate that you explain things to me as they are happening during a chastisement. I believe it would keep me more at ease, should the situation arise."

"Of course, I would walk you through it." Edward looked at me quizzically. "I certainly wouldn't start beating you without warning, unless that were the scene. Even in that situation, we would talk about it before we moved forward and of course you're able to use your safe words. If we're going to make this work, communication and trust is crucial. You understand that, right? I thought your paperwork said that you had experience?" I watched as he thumbed through the pages, I had filled out days ago looking for something.

"I am experienced." I grumbled angrily. "Not all experiences are good ones."

"I sense this topic isn't an easy one for you to be having considering your reaction right now. I'll let the mouth slide for now. We are after all getting accustomed to each other this weekend. As long as you don't make this attitude a habit, we'll get along just fine."

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for. We'll learn together, that's what this is about. I respect you Bella and I want you to respect me."

"Yes, I want that too. I'm sorry for having a sour reaction. I'll try to control that."

He chuckled at me, eyes twinkling. "I'm sure you will and I'm certainly looking forward to it."

We hashed out a basic understanding of rules and punishments that were acceptable in no time. Edward said we could revisit it as often as I wanted to. That this document was a live one and we would work it out together. I was surprised by how accommodating he was, another thing I hadn't expected.

An hour and two glasses of Merlot later, I was warm, tingly, signing the appropriate line on our contract, part of which included a bilateral non-disclosure agreement. I assumed him that I understood his need for secrecy and appreciated that he was showing me the same level of respect by signing his own agreement pertaining to my personal information. With all the important stuff out of the way, we moved on to other business.

We went over my responsibilities and what would be expected of me. I would be responsible for preparing most of the meals and would serve him in the dining room when he was home to take them. My room was my own to do as I please in on my own time, but it was to be kept clean enough that the housekeeper could come in and straighten up without a problem. Easy enough.

"I'll make the arrangements to have your apartment looked after, all of your rent and utilities will be paid for- "

"That isn't necessary Sir- "I'd interrupted.

"Bella-" Harrison grumbled in a frustrated tone.

This time I was quick to explain myself.

"I'm not being difficult." I explained." It's just that the loft is mine…. and my bills are already paid in advance every month from a separate account."

He watched me for a few minutes, probably to determine if I was telling him the truth.

"I'm not lying," I said in a small voice. "I paid for my condo in full at closing, my bills are set up with my expense account through my accountant."

"Those accounts will be set up in conjunction with the expense accounts I provide you- "

"I don't need you to pay my bills." I interjected. Was he crazy?

I wasn't going to budge on this, my bills were taken care of and I didn't need his money. I had my own, most of which I could never even spend in this lifetime.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and grumbled something.

"You don't need to buy my submission Sir; I'm giving it to you. I can handle my own- "

His eyes snapped to mine and in that moment, I suddenly feared him.

"Is that what you think this is about? That I'm trying to buy your submission and trust?" He was quickly furious, and I was completely speechless.

"I…" I started but he shut me up by continuing.

"If that's what you think, you have no business even considering the thought to be my submissive."

He stayed quiet for a minute, watching me - no glaring at me.

Then, like a light switch, something changed. His features softened and he stood up and took a step toward me and wrapped me in his arms. His chin rested on my head and I buried my face into his chest.

The immediate warmth that spread over me - nothing could ever compare to this. I'd never felt safer before. Now that I knew what it felt like I never wanted to go another moment without it.

He sighed long and hard and spoke softly to me.

"I understand this is all new to you- "

"This isn't new for me." I jumped in with an angry tone.

I wasn't some inexperienced sub. I knew what it meant to be obedient and bend to my masters every desire. I lived this life for nearly five years. I wasn't some child who didn't know the difference between cats and scourges. This was not new to me.

"It is." He counters in a tone that was much more menacing then mine had been. "And if you interrupt me one more time tonight, I'll introduce you to my whipping bench with a preview of our agreement on chastisements."

That shut me right up.

"As I was saying, I understand this is new to you. Your previous collared arrangement was not a proper D/s relationship. I know this because of what you've told me and by your reactions.

I'm not him Bella I understand that I need to gain your trust and that we must work on your fears together but I will not tolerate your defiance and disobedience. As your master it is my responsibility to ensure you are well taken care of. That includes taking care of your things and providing you with what you need, I have the means and I will provide these things for you. Those are my stipulations, if you can't live with the idea of me taking care of these things then we can't continue with this weekend."

"I'm sorry." I whispered feeling faint at the idea of having to walk away from this. I knew he was right, but it still went against everything. I didn't need him to pay for those things, I could handle it. "It's just difficult for me."

"Look at me." I did, meeting his sparkling eyes. "I know that it is. Let's work at this together, alright? I'm willing to compromise on somethings, but I will not compromise on this piece. Is that understood?"

"Yes."

It was later and I had just finished my third glass of Merlot. I'd sobered up a bit during our conversation, so the third glass helped me reacquire that warm and tingly comfort.

"Meet me upstairs in ten minutes wearing what I set out in your chase lounge in the walk-in closet. My room is one door down from yours on the left." He pushed the swinging door open from the kitchen and disappeared.

Suddenly warm and tingly were a thing of the past. Now I was on fire and vibrating with anxious anticipation. I threw back the last sip of wine and let out a deep cleansing breath before walking quickly from the kitchen up to my room.

I stepped into my room and closed the door behind me with a soft click, making my way to what I assumed was the closet. I glanced down at the fabric sprawled out across the plush lounger. I picked it up by the straps and held it up to examine it closer.

The piece of lingerie was a beautiful deep violet haltered baby doll. Lavishly embellished with beads and sequins just under the cups, the fabric gathered there creating an empire waist with a plunging neckline…it was beautiful.

With nervous fumbling fingers, I quickly removed the clothes I'd worn here, quickly folding them neatly and placing them on a shelf in the closet. Distracted for a moment by the amount of clothing surrounding me, I wonder who all of this belonged to. At quick glance, I noticed it all looked brand new, some items having tags visibly attached still. The far wall held a series of gowns and featherlight materials. One peach colored dress caught my eye and I couldn't resist taking a closer peek. As I held it out it shimmered beautifully under the lights and at closer look, I was thrilled to realize that it looked as though it would be exactly my size. I wondered if I would get to wear it sometime…

Remember that the clock was ticking, I quickly slipped the baby doll over my head and tied the halter around my neck. The thin sheer silky fabric hit right at the top of my thigh, and the matching panties left very little to the imagination. I went to my bathroom and pirouetted in front of the mirror, examining myself from all angles.

Even though I was practically naked, I felt elegant and beautiful. Whoever picked this out, had great taste. I just hoped I'd been the only one to wear this ensemble.

I opened the small cosmetic bag I'd brought with me and pulled out a small round tin of faint pink lip balm. Quickly dabbing some on my lips, I gave myself hair a little shake and gave myself another once over before slipping on a long billowing black silk robe I noticed hanging on the bathroom door.

With a deep breath I pushed open my bedroom door and padded barefoot down the hall to where I knew Edward's bedroom was.

When I reached the door I was torn- do I knock…do I just walk in? I decided knocking was probably the smartest course of action. So, using one knuckle, I tapped lightly on the oak door.

"You may enter." Edward called from just the other side of the door.

I turned the handle and slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind me. When I spun around to face him, I was once again dumbstruck.

Edward's bedroom was gorgeous and not very shockingly, absolutely nothing like mine. It was powerfully masculine, and neat as a pin.

The ceiling was high and vaulted with dark cherry wood that accentuated the golden color scheme. The far wall was made of wood and glass, framed with heavy cream and gold drapes that were half closed to the remainder of the setting sun. Two French doors opened up to a large sized deck that overlooked the tall pine trees and Olympic mountain range, just to the left of the doors looked like a flight of stairs leading down.

The bed was king sized and adorned with bedding that matched the curtains; an intricate pattern danced across the bed spread and flowed beautifully with the rest of the room.

Directly across from his magnificent deep cherry wood carved bed; a fire roared behind two tall black iron doors. The sweater he had been wearing was draped over the side of one of the cream-colored high-backed love seats that sat parallel to the fireplace. Another large wide screen flat panel TV hung from the ceiling in the opposite corner of the room.

More modern art hung on his walls and I found myself becoming intimidated.

"Come to me," He said in a stern sultry voice, I went without an ounce of hesitation.

It was the first time I'd seen his bare chest and I was from disappointed by this display.

Edward was exceptionally fit; his solid chest was chiseled muscle toned to that fine line between not enough and overly jacked. His dark slacks hung low on his lips and I eyed the spot of his abdomen where a six-pack flowed seamlessly into the defined 'V' that disappeared beyond his belt.

I stood still in front of him, eyes forward with bated breath as he circled me. I knew I should be afraid, normally this was the part where I was mentally cringing. In this moment I was more nervous about what he was thinking than anything. I was still covered up, but I dreaded the big reveal I knew was coming.

I was always nervous when I did a scene with someone new, afraid of what they might think of my scars. I knew they weren't as bad as I made them out to be, they'd healed well enough by now that the marks were only a faint discoloration on my skin. Much like a stretch mark; only a slight deeper shade of pink, it was the inside that was ugly. The marred flesh that remained behind my tainted skin... but this wasn't a scene.

No, it was a scene. It was just different, new...and special.

I was here in Edward's house and I was ready. He made me feel ready; he made me want to be ready.

I wasn't sure what he'd have planned for our first night, but I tried to ready myself for anything. It had been a few months since my last play date and the anticipation had me anxious and tense. I startled when he reached up to drag his fingers across my silk covered back as he made his way back in front of me. My flinching stopped him, instantly his hot breath was in my ear. "Nervous? You may answer."

"A little." The words squeezed out between my thinned lips.

"Mm..." He hummed. "What do you want from me Bella?" He whispered, effectively making my knees quake.

"Whatever will please you?" I answered in a small unsure whisper that sounded more like a question than anything else.

So quickly I hardly noticed, he slipped the robe from my shoulders and I watched as it fluttered to the ground and pooled at my feet. He stepped in front of me lifting my chin so that he could look into my eyes before his fingers were lacing into my hair and he was pulling me close. I gasped as his head tilted and he crashed his lips hungrily to mine.

His tongue skimmed my parted lips and I quickly opened my mouth to him without hesitation. My tongue slowly dipped into his mouth, exploring and tentative. It seemed that was all he needed. I held myself back, letting him lead and dominate my mouth with a fierce kiss.

I felt him tug at the small bow at the base of my neck and the front of baby doll slid down, exposing my chest to him. His right hand came down and cupped my breast and his thumb brushed my pebbled nipple. I groaned into his mouth as his left hand fisted the thin material that was rumpled against my hip.

Our kiss broke and faster than I thought humanly possible, he scooped me up and laid me out on his bed. I let my hands rest to my sides as he crawled up my body and seated himself between my legs.

While he continued to trail fiery kisses all along my neck and jaw, I felt burst of his hot breath wash over my already sensitive skin.

He was killing me, slowly and torturously he made his way down my body, teasing and nipping at my overly sensitive flesh. It wasn't long before the silky baby doll teddy was stripped away and tossed on the floor with my robe. His lips never stopped their searing exploratory trail, rough against my neck, ghosting my breast, tickling my side.

Remembering - I tensed slightly when he hovered over my right hip and paused. I kept my eyes closed and my hands flexed between loose and clenched fists at my sides. I knew what he was doing, what he was studying…. He was paused right there. I was sure I knew what he was seeing, studying the scar.

Positive he was.

I'd never felt more exposed and more ashamed then I did right then. I felt his fingers tracing the small crescent sized mark that was once the exit wound of the bullet that had pierced through my back.

"This is a gunshot wound." Edward spoke out loud in a whisper of disbelief.

It wasn't a question, more like a statement. Something he was confirming to himself in an almost contemplative way. My mind instantly flashed to that night and I did my best to shut it out.

My mantra in my head kicked in - That's over. I'm here and I'm safe. That's over. I'm here and I'm safe. I tried to calm my breathing. God, I didn't want to have a panic attack. Please don't let my stupid past ruin this. Please. I would do anything to have a semblance of my life back.

Things turned into white noise around me and I did my best to count back from one hundred inside my head. When I reached forty-three the ringing in my ears stopped and I left out a breath as relief washed over me. I was proud that the episode hadn't turned into a full-fledged panic attack. I'd beaten it before it could turn into anything and that fact left me overjoyed.

Coming back to my sense, I heard Edward mumble something about a son of a bitch, but I quickly forgot anything I was thinking when I looked up and he was staring down at me with this intense expression. His eyes were hard and there was something there; I couldn't quite figure out what.

"This-" He gently caressed my scar "doesn't matter. When you're with me, none of that matters. The only thing you need to concern yourself with now is getting better. Your safe here with me Bella."

I stared into his eyes, feeling my own glaze over with unshed tears. My eyes searched his and I was sure in that moment that I could trust him with everything I was and ever could be. I nodded and watched as he leaned forward, eyes locked with mine and placed a small chaste kiss on the crescent scar.

"No one will ever hurt you again." he vowed, sounding almost angry.

A single tear slid down my cheek and I did my best to hold the rest at bay, quickly swatting it.

We stared at one another for a moment before he continued his descent down to my hips…. his fingers hooked my violet panties on both sides. With an agonizingly slow pace, he slid them down my legs and tossed them to the growing pile of clothes on the floor. His gentle hands and slow-moving strokes worked me up and down, while his mouth nibbled and sucked the flesh of my inner thighs. The tension I felt up until now morphing into something entirely different now. I was a tightly coiled spring when his lips reached where I needed him most. It was the sweetest sort of pleasure pain I'd ever felt, and when his mouth was finally on me, my orgasm swept powerfully over my body uncontrollably.

A dark chuckle vibrated from his lips and I practically jolted from the sensation.

"You can have that one, Bella." His teeth nipped playfully as he spoke about my letting go without his permission. "Now, you won't climax again without my expressed consent. Do you understand? You may answer me with yes or no."

"Yes." I gasped when his teeth grazed that sensitive bundle of nerves.

"Yes?" Edward clucked his tongue at me. "Yes what, Bella?"

"Yes, Sir." I couldn't help the smile that crept across my face.

"Excellent." His eyes danced with mirth despite the stoic look he wore on his face. "Now, let us explore how well you can control those involuntary reactions…shall we?"

I could feel him everywhere, his powerful hands and his magic tongue as he thrust it deep inside of me. It wasn't long before he had me teetering on the edge again with no intention of letting me fall over any time soon.

He sucked, nipped and lapped at me. I was so close; it was almost painful.

"Please…" I panted.

"Are you begging me?" Asking between licks.

"Yes, please sir." I wasn't above it.

"Not yet." He said firmly, sending vibrations against my skin that nearly set me over the edge.

"Oh God…I…I" I mumbled incoherently as his tongue thrust deep inside me.

"Don't do it, Bella. I don't want to have to punish you." His voice was playful but held a note of hope.

Part of me wanted him to, just to see what his punishment would be. It wasn't lost on me in that moment though. This was a test and he wanted me to pass it. If I didn't, I doubted it would be a serious infraction… but I wanted to pass.

His hand snaked up my body and cupped my breast again, pinching, tugging and creating a delicious burning need. I wasn't going to last much longer. Not with that magic tongue working me into a frenzy. I felt him shift slightly and all too soon, two strong fingers thrust deep into me and his teeth clamped down against my clit: nibbling and sucking.

"Cum for me, I want to hear you." He suddenly growled.

Without any hesitation, I screamed out in ecstasy.

As I came down, I realized I'd never thought about what it would feel like to be a total puddle of gooey human. I laid, sprawled out, panting, shivering, and at the complete mercy of this man. It was the most incredible feeling and I never wanted it to end.

My eyelids were heavy, and I'd never felt so completely relaxed before. No man had ever given this to me, made me feel so completely safe and fulfilled. I wanted to cry with the sheer intensity of it. My hooded eyes followed him as he crawled slowly up my body, his fingers skimmed his chin before he brought them to his lips.

"Delicious." He said as he licked his fingers clean.

Dear lord. That dirty mouth would certainly be the sweetest death of me.

"You alright?" He watched me expectantly, an eyebrow lifted in question. "You may answer."

"Is that even a valid question?" I asked breathlessly, to which he threw his head back in laughter.

"Fair enough." He kissed my forehead and scooped me up in his arms, hugging me close to his chest.

We sat like that, him holding me in his arms and stroking my side with lazy calculated feather light strokes for what felt like hours. My eyes were slowly drifting closed when I felt him scoop me up and start to walk out of his room.

My eyes flashed open and fell on his face.

"Where- "

"I'm taking you to your room, you sleep in my bed by my invitation only." He reminded me.

Yes, I remember that part…but what about-

"But what about you- "

"Tonight, was about you. Now I want you to rest."

We entered my room and he strode to my bed, quickly turning the sheets down while keeping me in his arms. Another moment passed before he slipped me between the sheets and pulled the covers gently around me. I was out like a light.

"Sleep well." He whispered.

"Mm…" I murmured, already falling fast asleep.

I watched behind drooping lids as he exited my room and closed the door.

Still completely stunned, I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing; him not claiming me tonight… I sighed contently as sleep overtook me, excited for what tomorrow would bring.