Hey, I'm back! Not sure how often I'll post, busy time right now. I know, I know. Why start a new story now right? Well when inspiration hits you, you just gotta go with the flow.

Anyway, I'll let you get on with the story..


My eyes fluttered open, immediately adjusting to the dark, there was some light from the outside lamps so I could see the details of my room. I was facing my bedroom window, the curtains partially open from before I went to bed. I sit up startled by a scuffling sound coming from outside but then after a while i don't hear it I rolled over letting my arm fall into the empty space on the other side of the bed.

Edwards side.

I missed him sleeping by my side but his awful snoring kept me awake all night. I told him many times to go see a doctor about it but he refused saying it would go away. I wasn't sure when he started snoring or maybe he always had. Sometimes love blinds you to some of the bad habits your spouse has until it smacks you in the face.

I always insisted that I fall asleep before him so I didn't have to put up with the constant chain saw sound that came from deep within his throat. At first I ignored it trying to get comfortable and distract myself from the noise but then it just got louder as the night wore on. I then tried the ear plugs but I pulled them out in my sleep discomforted by the loss on my sense. I even googled other methods like making him sleep on his back or his stomach but that never worked. Finally I had no choice but to tell him to visit the doctors, he happily agreed saying he'd do it tomorrow then tomorrow grew to next week and so on.

Fed up I sent him to one of the many guest houses we had so I could get one full night of sleep, I'd been walking around like a Zombie always cranky and snapping at anyone who smiled my way.

I heard a scrapping noise against the glass window. I was right, the sound did wake me up. It might just be a fox, there are plenty of those here. I glanced at the digital clock on my night stand. 3:06 it read and I groaned rolling over to Edwards's side snuggling up to his pillow.

I guess even without him here I still woke up during the night.

I closed my eyes willing myself to sleep but then the light from outside went out and I was surrounded by complete darkness. I reopened my eyes and noticed the digital clock was off, concerned about that it might have been the power I flung the covers off me and stepped into my fluffy slippers. The cold breeze hit my bare legs so I grabbed my night gown from its hook behind my door wrapping it closely against it enjoying the soft touch.

I clicked on the light switch just to confirm that the power was out, the room remained dark so I opened the door and walked out into the hallway. I held onto the wall to guide my way through the dark making sure to walk around the tables and lamps. When I reached the end of the hallway and got to the stairs I held onto the railing being careful not to trip, the last thing I needed was going to the ER. Once I made it down I continued on to the back of the house were the main switch was. The electricity usually jumped turning the power off.

Once in the kitchen I rummaged in all of the draws looking for a flash light. In the last draw I came to I found it fumbling to find the on button. I clicked on it illuminating the space in front of me, I walked past the island and into the fake cupboard by the wall. I checked the mains but nothing seemed to be wrong. I grumbled to my self-confused, maybe it was the whole neighbourhood black out. I went to the window but it was useless, even if they did have power most people are asleep at this time of the night.

I would have to wait until the morning.

I began walking up the stairs when I thought about our alarm system. I was sure it would turn off without electricity. Not that we lived in a bad area or anything but our house was high in value including everything in it.

I shuffled my way to the front door making sure everything was locked and double checked that the alarm was in fact no longer working. Once I was sure everything was locked and bolted I high tailed it back upstairs, I needed sleep and walking around wasn't going to help.

Normally I would've made Edward go check things out but he too needed his sleep for a big day ahead, it was his annual banquet he held for all his business partners and potentials, he always got anxious when it came to making a big speech.

We both often went to the places it helped to make sure the money was being used properly. I'd seen those documentaries were our money is being intercepted by some locals who want the money for themselves instead of trying to make life better for the whole country. To be honest I really did want there to be fewer countries in poverty so we'd take matters into our own hands working hard to ensure people are being educated and suitable homes are being provided for them.

I hopped back into bed letting my heart rate slow back down so I could fall asleep.

BANG!

BANG!

I sat up in bed startled. It sounded like someone was ramming a large object into the wall, I crawled out of the bed padded my way to the door. My heart was beating like crazy, on second thought I ran back to get my phone from my night stand making sure it was on silent before stepping out.

I didn't want to make a call unless I really knew it was someone breaking in. I slowly crept down the hall, I wasn't sure what room Edward was in so I opened all the doors as quietly as I could sticking my head in them for any signs of him. When I got to the stairs I hesitated.

I could hear hushed voices.

It was then I knew for sure we were in danger. I quickly typed in my password, I didn't realise the backlight was so bright until the whole wall lit up behind and in front of me lit up. Cursing myself I covered it with my hand as I made my call.

The dialling tone went on for a while I began to wonder if he would answer.

"Bella?" I heard my dad's gruff voice come through the phone.

"Dad." I whispered "There's somebody in the house."

Another loud bang and the smashing of glass made me jump. It sounded closer this time.

"Where's Edward?" he asked fully alert.

"I don't know. Somewhere down the hall."

"Why isn't he with you?"

"Long story short, he snores."

"Can you get to him?" he asked

"I don't know. If I walk past the stairs they will know where I am."

"Okay, honey. I need to put you on hold while I make some calls."

"Okay." I whispered, I moved away from the stairs backing up.

I tried calling Edwards cell but then I heard his ringtone loud and clear from downstairs and quickly ended the call. The one time he's not attached to that thing I need him.

I don't know how long I stood there when I saw a shadow moving across the hall, my heart beat faster as I slid against the wall willing myself to be invisible. The shadow turned into a man and I recognised him.

It was Edward.

I sighed in relief stepping closer to the stairs waving my arms to get his attention. He looked up at me motioning me to stay back then his gaze fell onto whatever he was looking at. I could hear my Dad's voice on the phone so I held it up to my ear.

"I need you to see how many there are."

"Dad if I do they'll know where we are." I whispered.

"They're going to find you any way. Just keep them talking and find Edward. Tell him not to do anything stupid." He instructed.

"I found him."

"Good. Now tell me how many there are."

"I'm scared." I told him

"I know sweetheart me to."

Taking a deep breath I ran across the hall stopping at the stairs only seeing two gun men who saw me. I ran the rest of the way to Edward when I reached him he grabbed onto my arms roughly.

"What the hell are you doing?" He whispered harshly into my ear then took a step back, his hands fluttering over my body looking to see if I was hurt.

I brought the phone up and whispered "Two"

From the light of the phone I could see he understood why I did what I did.

Edward plucked the phone out of my hand holding onto my waist and whispered back at my dad.

"I saw five heavily armed men," he said loud enough for me to hear "One was carrying a large duffle bag and all men are masked."

My dad must have said something in response before he ended the call.

"Put this in your underwear." He whispered peeking out.

"I'm not wearing anything besides boxers." I said feeling grossed out by the suggestion.

"Just tuck it to the side, of your panties, hopefully they won't think to search you down." He handed the phone over to me. "Hurry they're coming."

I reluctantly tucked the phone to the side of my underwear just as the two men came up the stairs.

Edward stood in front of me putting his hands in the air.

"Stay behind me." He muttered, I stepping into their view.

Both men held their guns up pointing it in our direction, the small slits in their masks allowed them to see and breathe but other than that I couldn't make out any distinct features.

"Get over here." One of them demanded waving to a spot close to him with the gun.

Edward held my hand pulling me along while keeping me hidden, standing protectively. We stopped at the start of the staircase.

"Go down into the living room. Don't try anything, we've got you surrounded." The same man said coming closer.

Edward and I descended the stairs then walked into our living room sitting down when the motioned us to take a seat.

Four more men walked in all dressed the same taking positions around the room, all holding guns.

"Mr Cullen." A man said coming to stand in front of us, his accent heavy, I wasn't sure where he was from but I knew it was European.

Edward narrowed his eyes at the man cocking his head to the side.

"James?" he asked unsure.

The man removed his mask to reveal blond hair blue eyes. He would have been handsome except for a nasty scar running down the side of his face and the scowl etched into his features.

"So you recognised my voice?" he asked smirking.

"What are you doing here?" Edward asked standing up, forgetting there were other people in the room.

"You didn't accept my boss's proposal." He shoved Edward back down on the couch. "You should have taken his threat seriously."

"That was just over half a year ago!" Edward spat, his face going read.

"Yes, but we were patient." James said leaning over to caress my cheek, I flinched back away just as Edward punched James in the gut.

James doubled over but regained his composure punching Edward in the face repeatedly.

I screamed pulling on James arm, willing him to stop.


Hope you like the chapter. Review = early updates

;)