A/N:  I am grateful to purpleC305 for pre-reading and Midnight Cougar for beta-ing. You make the song in my heart sing. Thank you. Xx

DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I’m just here having fun.

-MP-

“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Chapter Twelve

(BPOV)

It isn’t just Edward and me in the room. There’s a tech guy, Chris, who runs the curtain, lighting, and music. He will introduce me as well. We practiced this a few times this afternoon, so I hope everything goes off without a hitch.

I hear the first notes of Annie Lennox’s, I Put a Spell On You begin, when the curtain pulls back on the sides and the heat from the spotlight floods my exposed skin.

“I put a spell on you. Because you’re mine,” Annie croons seductively.

Holding my fans with my wrists loose, I sway my hips with the music, keeping my back toward my audience of one.

“You better stop the things you do. I tell ya, I ain’t lyin’. I ain’t lyin’.”

Keeping the beat, I move my arms while the fans allow me to play a bit of hide and peek, tracing up and down my body.

“You know I can’t stand it. You’re runnin’ around. You know better daddy. I can’t stand it ‘cause you put me down. Oh no.”

I spin around slow to face Edward, but can’t see his face, only his outline with the bright lights focused on me. The rest of the room is cast in darkness, while he’s sitting in a chair next to a small table with a drink on it.

“I put a spell on you. Because you’re mine.”

Chris’s deep voice makes my introduction as the instrumental music softly plays in the background. “Monsieur, for your pleasure this evening, the ever-enchanting, Miss Simone.”

My hips sway back and forth, while my hands move the fans with ease, as I continue my practiced routine.

I fret over the lyrics Annie belts out next, worrying they may be too much too soon. I don’t want scare him off. However, I think I’m falling in love with this man.

“You know I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you anyhow. And I don’t care if you don’t want me. I’m yours right now.”

Edward shifts in his chair then reaches for his cocktail while I dance with the music, twisting, spinning, and glancing in his direction, keeping a coy, seductive smile on my face.

“I put a spell on you. Because you’re mine.”

I keep plenty of distance from Edward for this first song, hoping my tease is creating the desired effect, which should be revealed during the next song when I’m touching him.

“You know I can’t stand it. Your running around. You know baby daddy. I can’t stand it. ‘Cause you put me down.”

My head rolls from side to side, as I exaggerate my movements and arch my back as Nina showed me in order to draw attention to all of Edward’s favorite curves, just as Annie belts out the last lyrics.

“Ooo, I put a spell on you because you’re mine. Because you’re mine. Because you’re mine. Oh yeah.”

I extend my arms, strike my final pose, and shake my fans to end the song then set them off to the side as the music for my second dance begins, Michael Bublé’s Feeling Good.

“Birds flying high. You know how I feel. Sun in the sky. You know how I feel. Reeds driftin’ on by. You know how I feel.”

I step down carefully off the stage and begin a slow, seductive walk toward Edward and circle him, allowing my glove-covered finger to drag a path up the arm of his suit, around his shoulders, and back down his other arm before coming to stand in front of him, his eyes never leaving my body.

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. For me. And I’m feeling good. I’m feeling good.”

Bracing my hands on his shoulders, I move to straddle his lap then gently caress the side of his face, starting with his hair, past his jaw, then touching a gloved finger to his lips. I sway my hips back and forth without my lower body coming in contact, when I feel his hands rest against the top of my thighs rubbing them lightly. Lowering my body to rest on his lap, I lock a hand around the back of his neck and slowly bend backward with a slight shimmy of my shoulders then pull myself back up.

“Fish in the sea. You know how I feel. River running free. You know how I feel. Blossom on the tree. You know how I feel.”

I look over Edward’s face, which is close to mine, only to find his eyes locked on my heaving chest. His tongue peeks out licking his lips. I pause for a moment until he looks up and our eyes meet, then smirk, loving the effect I’m having on him.

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. For me. And I’m feeling good.”

I stand and push off Edward, reversing my position, facing away from him. Sitting on his thighs, I brace my hands on his knees, pushing my ass in his direction. He places a hand on each cheek since he can’t resist touching me.

“Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know. Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean. Sleep in peace when the day is done, that’s what I mean. And this old world is a new world. And a bold world. For me. For me.”

There’s a gentle squeeze of my ass when I bend letting my hands drift down my legs to my ankles then back up. His arm snakes around my waist, pulling my back against his chest. I turn my head to see only his profile, leaving a kiss near the strap on my shoulder.

“Stars when you shine. You know how I feel. Scent of the pine. You know how I feel. Oh freedom is mine. And I know how I feel.”

I squeeze Edward’s arm holding me in place, letting him know I need to get up and keep dancing. He helps me return to a standing position before him. With closed eyes, I continue to sway my hips with the beat. I let my hands trace a path from my thighs, up my hips, over my narrow waist, lingering along the sides of my breasts, moving up past my neck, and finally through strands of my hair. I’m sure it appears a little wilder and out of control as I feel.

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life.”

Once I’ve completed the path, I return my focus to Edward, and walk forward and sit sideways across his lap this time. My arm wraps around his neck, as I feel his hand rest against the small of my back.

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. It’s a new life. For me.”

I bend backward then sit upright and feel Edward’s hands hold me firmly on his lap. My gloved hand traces the side of his face, and I look into Edward’s sparkling green eyes while I smile and sing the last few lines with Michael.

“And I’m feeling good. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling so good. I feel so good.”

Before the final notes end, Edward is crashing his lips with mine in a kiss fueled with passion, fire, and desire. He holds my head to him until I’m forced to pull away breathless while he moves to my ear then jaw leaving a trail of scorching kisses.

“Edward,” I whisper, trying to catch my breath and hoping to get his attention. “We can’t do this here.”

He pauses to look at my face. “Bella, that was—” His lips are back on mine.

I push slightly against his chest and he reluctantly breaks away.

“So you liked it?” Uncertainty is fueling my nerves. “My performance?”

“Bella, I thought you were going to the hotel spa getting pampered for our evening tonight. I had no idea. When they led me in here…” He shakes his head.

I giggle. “I’ve had quite a busy day, but I need to go change out of my costume, then we can see the show.”

“I’ve already had enough show.” He squeezes my leg and steals another kiss.

My hand brushes over his face. “You trimmed your beard.” I’m stunned at how different his face looks with less facial hair. He has more of a scruff versus the full beard he was sporting.

Edward shrugs and helps me stand from his lap. “It was time. Hopefully, it still works for you.”

I grin. “Absolutely.” Stepping back up on stage, I grab my fans for Marc.

We leave our private room hand in hand and find Marie waiting outside the door ready to escort us through the narrow hallways and back to the dressing room, where my arrival causes quite a stir.

“Simone!” Marc yells, and rushes across the room with Frédéric trailing closely behind.

“I want to know how it went, but from the look of your lipstick, I would say spectacular,” Frédéric teases, holding out his hand. “You must be Edward. You’re even better in person.” He purrs.

Edward actually blushes and looks at me. “Thanks, I think.”

“Bella, let’s get you changed then Angel can touch up your makeup.” Marc winks at Edward.

“Mr. Cullen, I can show you to your table while Mademoiselle changes,” Marie suggests.

“I’ll be out to join you shortly.” I squeeze his arm as I look up at his sparkling eyes.

Edward leans in and gives me one more kiss. “See you soon.”

I watch Edward disappear down the hallway until Marc rushes me back toward costuming. “Let’s get you changed. We don’t want to keep him waiting. I bet if we take too long he would go all caveman and come back to remove you himself.”

I giggle and turn my back toward Marc, then he unhooks the fasteners of my bodysuit.

“Your mind reading abilities are uncanny.” I think back to how many times I’ve found myself thrown over Edward’s shoulder then promptly carried to his intended destination—usually a bed.

“I know his type. He’s delicious. You better lock that down, Simone.” He hip checks me before I dart behind the curtain.

My bag is still there waiting for the next phase of our evening, and I’m back in my black lingerie set and little black dress in no time.

Angel touches up my make up, and I give everyone hugs and many thanks for helping make this day everything I was hoping and more.

Marie escorts me out to the main theatre where we find Edward anxiously waiting my arrival.

He stands when I stop next to our booth and takes my hand then helps me into the bench seat.

“Hello, gorgeous.” He kisses me, then looks over at Marie. “I think we’re ready for champagne now.”

“Certainly, Mr. Cullen.” Marie opens our bottle with practiced ease and pours us both glasses of my favorite beverage. “I’ll be right back and bring some water as well for you, Mademoiselle.”

There’s a low hum from the chatter of the crowd in anticipation of tonight’s performance. The theatre is bathed in shades of black and reds with low lighting setting the mood. We are sitting in a cozy red velvet booth with a high curved back and a small table in front of us.

Edward hands me a glass of champagne, then takes one in his own hand. “To Simone.”

“To Simone.” I chuckle as we clink glasses and I drain almost half of its contents. “I’m so thirsty.”

As if on cue, Marie sets down a large bottle of water with two empty glasses on our table then fills them for us.

“Merci, Marie. You are a lifesaver.” I bring the precious liquid to my lips, taking a long, appreciative drink.

“Enjoy your evening.” She disappears from our booth.

I turn toward Edward. “Are you excited for the show?”

He grabs my hand, letting it settle on his crotch. “Bella, at this point, I don’t think I could possibly get any more excited.”

Rubbing my hand over him, I find little room left in his dress pants with his erection in full force.

I remove my hand. “Well, hopefully, you won’t be too uncomfortable. We are going to a late dinner after the show. It was part of the special offer I purchased. I’m starving.” I finish my water figuring I will alternate drinks to keep from getting too tipsy this evening.

“Let’s hope I can make it. However, word on the street is the dancers in the show are topless. So, I’m pretty sure I’m screwed and not in a good way.”

I look around and notice no one can see inside our booth because the back curves around us limiting sight to only those performing on stage.

“Maybe I can help you out.” I move my eyebrows suggestively .

“Bella.” His lips warn, but his eyes shimmer with desire and need.

“It will be fine. The tablecloth will help cover me. Can you be quiet?” I whisper, and return my hand back to his lap.

Edward moans at my touch.

“You’re going to have to be quieter than that,” I tease, sliding from my seat and settling between his legs.

I reach up and unbutton his pants, sliding down the zipper with ease finding him commando this evening. Edward’s cock springs from his pants, and I wrap my hand around him then tentatively lick the head.

He slips down in his seat and groans when I suck him farther in my mouth. Taking more of him with each pass, I reacquaint my throat with his size. My pace is slow and steady, occasionally using my teeth in a way I know he likes.

Edward’s hand finds my hair, guiding me up and down. His breathing is louder when I quicken my pace.

“Bella.” That is all the warning he gives when he moans on a breath and releases down my throat.

I quickly swallow everything, using my tongue to clean him, tucking his semi-deflated cock inside, and refastening his pants.

Crawling back up to my seat, I glance around to notice if anyone caught my disappearance or reappearance and conclude no one seems the wiser.

I look over at a much more relaxed Edward who now has a lazy smile on his face. “Better?” I smile proudly that I can have such an effect on him and finish the rest of my glass of champagne.

“So much better. I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven.” He sits up and refills our glasses. “I think I might make it to at least dinner now.”

“I certainly hope so, but I must warn you.” I lean in and whisper. “I might have left some lipstick on your cock.”

Edward scoots closer and wraps his arm around me, placing a searing kiss on my lips. “Sweetheart, I hope I’m covered all over in your lipstick before this night is through.”

I giggle as the lights dim and the music begins.

Edward puts his hand on my thigh and groans. I look over at him to notice a surprised look on his face.

His hand pulls up the hem of my dress to find I’m wearing garters. “You are trying to kill me,” he whispers, exasperated, while he fingers the straps. “And now we have lift off. Again.”

I kiss his cheek and rub off what little lipstick I see. “Try to watch the show, okay?”

He nods and we settle in to enjoy an amazing variety of the most mesmerizing performances, while sipping away at our bottle of champagne.

The showgirls are in fact topless and wearing very little anywhere else. They perform flawless dance routines leaving the entire audience under their spell. The hour and a half flies by and teases just enough to keep everyone wanting more.

When the show finally ends, we are all standing on our feet yelling and clapping our appreciation.

Edward and I leave the theatre and locate the taxi stand where a gentleman helps us into a cab and sends us on to our next stop, Chez André.

During the short ride, his hand finds its way under the hem of my dress, rubbing my thigh and my garters, while stealing quick kisses every time the taxi stops.

It’s after ten when we arrive at the restaurant, but we are immediately seated at a cozy table away from other diners. We sit close and both look over the menu, but end up going with our server’s suggestions after ordering another bottle of champagne.

Fortunately, the restaurant stays open late to accommodate the after-show crowd, but with so few patrons, our food arrives in no time at all.

Edward pours champagne for both of us and proposes another toast with a twinkle in his eye. “To crazy whores at Crazy Horse.” He winks and reaches over to squeeze my leg. I think he may be drunk.

I giggle. “To Crazy Horse.” We clink glasses and I take an appreciative sip. “You’re ridiculous and more than a bit toasted.”

“I could be a toastmaster at this point and you” —he points at himself— “should be my Mrs. Perfect. If only I could get you—” He’s interrupted as our server sets six oysters on the half shell in front of us.

“Edward, I’m not sure this is such a good idea.” I look them over and wonder how in the world I’m going to get any of these down.

Wait. Back up. What did he just say? Did he say Mrs. or Ms. Perfect? I must be hearing things.

“Oh, my dear Bella. You will have no problem swallowing these whole. I have all the confidence of the world in you. You’re quite the swallower.”

I blush at his implications. “Apparently, you have had these before. I haven’t.”

“True, but you’ve had your fair share of champagne. So, there isn’t anything you can’t do. It fuels your superpower.”

Superpower? Now, he’s talking crazy.

I lift an oyster shell and take a sniff.

“Just open your mouth, tilt your head back, and let it slide down your throat,” Edward instructs. “Don’t try to chew it.”

“I can do this.” I give myself a brief pep talk at his nod.

Following his directions, the oyster does indeed slide quickly down my throat. “Okay, maybe that was a little too easy. I just don’t understand the point if there isn’t anything to taste or chew.”

“Oh, grasshopper. What you don’t know about the oyster is great. Oysters are high in zinc, which increases sperm and testosterone. They also contain the hormone dopamine, which is known to increase the libido.” His hand rubs the exposed skin on my inner thigh.

“Edward.” I giggle. “As if you need any help.”

His hand moves to caress my knee. “I know. You are all I need. Your champagne is another aphrodisiac as it gets you in the mood.”

I down one more oyster and watch him finish the last one when our server arrives with our entrees.

Edward ordered scallops and I’m having onion soup. Both are delicious as we share bites and spoonfuls between kisses until his plate is clean and my bowl is empty.

“You know, I must have dessert. I can’t eat at an authentic French restaurant and not have at least something.” I pout.

Edward leans back and places his arm around me. “What did you have in mind?”

My eyes light up. “I’m thinking the crème brûlée.”

He nods and orders my dessert when our server returns to clear our plates.

“Thank you for this entire evening, Bella. I had no idea of your plans, and let’s just say you easily exceeded any expectations I had.” He nibbles on my earlobe, leaving a kiss just below my ear.

Goosebumps spread all over my body and we barely move apart when my dessert arrives.

I use my spoon to crack through the hard caramel on top while digging in to the rich creamy custard underneath.

“Mmmm, this is so good, Edward. Do you want a bite?” I hold out a spoonful for him to try.

“Oh, I definitely want a bite.” He brushes my hair away and starts nibbling on my neck again.

I manage a few more spoonfuls of dessert then we settle our remaining bill and take a taxi back to our hotel.

Upon arriving in our room, I see someone has been here to turn down the sheets and they scattered rose petals in the shape of two interlocking hearts on our bed.

“Edward.” I gasp and he wraps his arms around my waist from behind. “Did you do this?”

I turn in his arms, lacing my fingers behind his neck as his hands tighten around my waist.

“I may have had some help.” He briefly pecks my lips. “Now, I need to see what you are wearing under this dress.”

Edward locates the zipper and pulls, revealing my final surprise of the evening.

When my dress falls to the floor, I step out of the puddle of fabric and start to kick off my heels.

He reaches out and stops me. “Leave them on.”

I watch him take out his phone and snap a few photos. “You like this one?”

Edward walks around me and lets out a whistle. “Bella, you are quite the vision. I can’t decide if I’ve been a very good boy or you are bringing out the bad boy in me.”

“I’ll take either one, but I may be partial to the bad boy,” I confess.

“Oh, really?” He bends over, grabs me by the waist, and throws me over his shoulder—true caveman style—carrying me to our bed where he shows me how much he enjoyed my cabaret performance all night long.