Between Pleasure and Pain by sadtomato

Official Description:

Bella’s been keeping her kinky fantasies a secret from her husband, Edward. When he finds out about her dark desires, he turns to Carlisle for guidance. Will Carlisle’s mentoring help bring E&B closer or drive them apart? BxExC, AH, BDSM, Rated M!

I don’t read much fic lately, simply because very few things have caught and kept my interest for the last few months. Yes, I’m picky in general–but really, I guess I’m just kind of bored. I’ve been in the fandom two years now, and I feel like I’ve already read everything worthwhile, know what I mean? (Disclaimer: I’m sure that’s not really the case and that I’m missing out on some fantastic reads, but wrong or not, this has been my mentality lately.)

So, why am I telling you this? I’m just trying to paint a picture so you’ll feel the full impact of my next statement:

I really, really love Between Pleasure and Pain by sadtomato.

I was kind of reluctant to check it out. Another bdsm story? Womp womp womp, been there done that a few times now–have the Spank Me, Edward tee shirt to prove it. Not since tarasueme’s Domward has a bdsm story impressed me. But then MJinAspen was on twitter one night where I was looking for an excuse to go to work the next day with a wicked pair of puffy eyes and she was all, “Dude. It’s like Aspenward with a flogger.” Or maybe she said riding crop, I can’t remember the specifics, only that my immediate response was ::clench:: and, “ fuck yes, I need to read that immediately. Please and thank you.”

And so, as the saying goes, the picky bitch fell in love with the fanfiction. (Based on the novel Sparkle by Stephenie Meyer.)

It starts out with Edward and Bella having sex. I know, right? Perfect–but wait, it’s not. It’s not the perfect multi-orgasmic sex we’ve come to expect from hung-like-a-black-rhino ficward.

Everything he’s doing feels good. Making love with Edward is always… nice. He’s so tender, pouring all of his love for me into every kiss, every touch, every movement. Being with him like this makes me feel cherished. But it doesn’t make me come.

Bella needs something from Edward–something he isn’t giving her, something she can’t bring herself to ask for.

I want to tell him it can never be too hard. I want to open my mouth and beg him to pound me, break me, punish me with his cock. I want him to tie my wrists to his grandmother’s stupid antique headboard and fuck me until I scream.

But I don’t. I can’t. He wouldn’t understand; my sweet, tender husband would never be capable of those things. He’s the kind of guy that lights candles in the bathroom and draws me a bath after I’ve had a rough day… I love that he takes care of me, and I don’t want that to stop. I don’t want him to be see me differently-treat me differently-when I tell him the dark desires that have haunted me for as long as I can remember.

But, of course, Edward finds out. And shockingly, he’s open to trying it. As luck would have it, one of Edward’s colleagues at the hospital is experienced and willing to mentor them. It’s Carlisle, y’all! And let me tell you something, normally I am squicked beyond belief by any of the canon parentals in a sexual context… but this Carlisle? Damn Gina. He’s the exception to that rule.

He pulls Bella’s wrists down to her sides, spinning her around so she’s facing us. Her eyes are bright and her breathing is heavy- I know she’s aroused, but I’m not sure what’s causing it- the position, the room, or Carlisle. He lifts her arms again, holding them against the wood before he leans down to whisper in her ear. She immediately grabs the cuffs and spreads her legs, looking down to make sure she’s aligned with the cross.

“When she’s facing you, you can have a little more fun with her. You could use a riding crop on her here,” he says, motioning to her thighs, “or you could clamp her nipples. You can tease her all night long if you want to, she’s not going anywhere.” He’s addressing me, but Bella’s the one squirming.

“I’m afraid of hurting her,” I admit, hoping for some guidance. He’s so clearly in control here, and he seems eager to share his expertise. I’m afraid we might not have a chance to ask questions like this again.

“Let me show you,” he says, gesturing for me to follow him. Bella lowers her arms, stepping forward with one foot as if to follow us. Carlisle stops and glares at her.

I love the realism of the story. The fact that they don’t communicate perfectly or have a rocking sex life in the beginning. That when they start to explore, they are uncertain and fumble and that he actually hurts her the first time he tries to flog her. Because of course he would, it’s his first time and he has no idea what he’s doing. I love that through their new sexual experiences, they are more communicative and open than they have ever been with one another.

What I think is unique to this fic (based on what I’ve read, at least) is the exploration of the psychology behind the lifestyle choice. We’re not yet sure why Bella craves domination so much–is it just a sexual preference, or is there a deeper catalyst driving her need?. And then there’s Edward’s side–he plays along because he knows how much Bella wants it, and while he enjoys it, it’s not a compulsion for him. He wouldn’t feel a void without it. Will there come a time when Bella will need something that crosses a line for Edward–or vice versa?

I don’t know, but I find myself just as interested in the way they navigate the changing dynamics of their relationship as I am in the dirty, filthy, fuckhot sex.

Did I mention the sex yet? It’s goooood, you guys.

I feel his cock pressing against me, and he bends over so that his whole body is covering mine. I feel his lips sucking on the skin of my neck, so hard it hurts, and I know he’s leaving a mark. When he pulls away, standing upright, he spanks me again, much harder than he ever has before. Every sound, every touch is driving me wild. I’m so aware of every texture- the cool wood of the bench, the silk rope around my wrists, the leather cuffs at my ankles.

Edward rubs his cock against me, teasing me before he slides in slowly. I groan, adjusting to the sensation, and wish that I could move back against him. I can’t move at all, strapped to the whipping bench, and it forces me to recognize every feeling coursing through my nerve endings. I can’t escape the pleasure, can’t do anything to work with it or against it. I have to submit.
Edward’s rhythm picks up, it’s fast and nothing like the gentle lovemaking we used to share. I watch Carlisle pick up the forgotten crop, and then he moves behind me too. I can see nothing but the wall in front of me and my discarded clothing.

I hear the riding crop before I feel it. Carlisle must be wielding it. He covers my ass and my lower back in soft slaps, occasionally drawing out a response by hitting me with some force. I’m moaning and panting, not able to control my reactions any longer.

“Do you like this, pet? Getting fucked in Carlisle’s playroom, being watched?” he asks, his fingers digging into my sides. All I can do it groan affirmatively. “Answer me!” he orders.

“Yes, I like it!” I cry, wanting to beg him for more.

“Do you like my cock? Or do you like being whipped with this crop?” he grunts, pulling my hips back to meet him.

“All of it, please! I love it!” I moan, closing my eyes and focusing on the sensations. Edward’s cock, stroking me from the inside, and the force of his thrust pushing my clit against the worn edge of the wooden bench. The soft taps and heavier slaps of the riding crop from Carlisle’s skilled hands.

::exhale:: So there’s that.

What I’m trying to say is, if you’re looking for a well-written fic that features a realistic couple in some extremely hot sexual situations without the sacrifice of plot… well, you should probably just go ahead and read Beyond Pleasure and Pain by sadtomato.