Author's notes:- First of all I need to give a huge thank you to my wonderful Beta Angelz1114577. I love you, you are amazing. My muse and my comma corrector hehehe. Another shout out has to go to DJ. I hope you are happy now!

Disclaimer:- I don't own any of the Twilight characters, SM owns all. I just fuck with them in my free time hehehe.

Warning: This fic contains mention of domestic abuse. This is a rather personal issue for me and I warn you now. So if you don't like it DON'T read any further!

Chapter 1 "Introductions"

My name is Bella Swan. This is the story of my free fall into hell without any chance of being saved . I will start, as all stories should, at the beginning.

I met Jake a few months ago and instantly fell for his dark Indian eyes and sweet talking nature. He swept me off my feet, and I put up no fight. I guess you could call it a whirlwind romance; we were living together within a month; madly in love after two; engaged after three . That's when things began to change. They were small at first. Less hugs for no reason; he no longer held doors open for me; he no longer cooked for me at all and he became more demanding. Everyone is on their best behavior when they start a new relationship. Let's face it, I was probably guilty of letting a few flaws of my own creep in. I passed it off as Jake becoming more comfortable with me and therefore it was a good thing. As the weeks went on, he became more irritable and even pickier . He needed his food at exact times. I was to be silent whenever he was watching TV, which was almost all the time. I fell into the role surprisingly quickly. I knew what time Jake would be home so I could be waiting at the door for him. I memorized the sound of his car approaching to acquire prior warning. Things were running like clockwork and it wasn't so bad, comfortable was the word I could use to describe our relationship . Not special or memorable-just comfortable.

The first time Jake hit me came as a shock. He accused me of screwing the mailman, because I tried to play the good girlfriend and signed for a package. It was a gift, I had ordered for him-a signed football; I knew he would love it. I signed the paper and took the brown package with a proud smile. As soon as the door closed, I felt the sting across my cheek and fell to the floor in pain. He apologized over and over, saying he was simply tired. He thanked me for the football and treated me like a princess for the entire night. He promised me it would never happen again...but of course it did . I thought of leaving, but every time I did I would look at Jake and see his perfectly sculpted body, his dark eyes, his usually caring and generous nature and wonder: could I really do better? I was in a nice apartment; I wanted for nothing in the way of material goods. All I had to do was behave as he asked and act as a girlfriend should. Was that really so bad? I did my best to avoid reasons for Jake to hit me, but somehow he always found something. He no longer apologized for what he did. And so I fell into the routine of Jake's girlfriend. He never hit me in obvious places anymore. He became smart. I could cover my bruises with carefully chosen clothes, scarves and dark makeup.

I found myself running this story through my mind as I finished brushing my hair in the mirror. Satisfied, I put down the brush and crawled into bed and waited for what was about to happen. It only took a couple of seconds before I felt Jake's heavy weight on top of me, almost crushing me. The sting between my legs as he entered me roughly and all at once was all too familiar. Though as he began to move in and out of me, the stinging turned to burning and I clung to his back to avoid crying. As usual he took this as a sign of enjoyment and began thrusting harder and faster. He kissed my neck roughly and sloppily. I could tell by his erratic movements that he was close, and with one final grunt it was over for another night. Jake placed one single, soft kiss on my lips and rolled over to his side of the bed. I laid there feeling the hot sticky liquid leak from inside me and waited for the pain to subside. By the time I was able to move to the bathroom, Jake was already snoring. I cleaned myself up and got back in to bed, very careful to avoid waking him and receiving punishment. Tears silently fell from my eyes as I lay looking over at Jake's sleeping form.

This is your life Bella, I thought to myself. This is the best you can do. So make the most of it and quit being so ungrateful. With that final thought, I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to find was several hours before I drifted in to a dreamless and disturbed night's sleep.

I woke the next morning feeling happier and more hopeful. Not only had Jake already left for work-meaning I could avoid morning sex- but I was going to see Emmett today. I hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks. He had been busy moving in to his new place. He now had a roommate who I was pretty sure was called Edwin or Albert or…Damn I sucked with names. I loved my big lug of a brother. He was protective and kind and would give his life for mine. Today would be a good day. I would spend as long as I could there with him and Egbert…Alvin, no wait that was the chipmunk . What the fuck was that guy's name? I planned to relax and let my busy mind stop working for awhile. I was going to enjoy being spoiled by Emmett as well as teased, bullied, tickled and…EDWARD! That was his name! I took a very quick shower and as I stepped out I caught my own reflection in the mirror. The dark fading bruises covered my thighs and ribs. I had numerous cuts and even a few scars. My body was a canvas that described my relationship with Jake. A daily reminder of how I couldn't behave as a good girlfriend should. I pulled on my skinny jeans and a pale pink long sleeved t-shirt. Luckily my cheek had healed perfectly from last week, so I didn't need to be too heavy handed with the makeup.

I was thankful that the drive to Emmett's was almost traffic free. I made it in record time of only twenty minutes. As I stepped out of the car I instantly felt two strong hands grab me from behind and throw me up on to a broad muscled shoulder.

"Emmett, put me down!" I squealed.

"What makes you so sure I am this Emmett you speak of?" He said putting on a very false Russian accent. I sighed rolling my eyes.

"Because only you, Emmett, would think this is an acceptable way to greet someone."

"I think I was just insulted."

Emmett began to spin me around while I rested on his shoulder, and I couldn't help the laughter that escaped. I was incredibly dizzy but I felt like a kid again being bullied by my older brother. I missed those carefree days of my childhood and being with Emmett gave me a taste of that freedom once more.

From somewhere in the direction of the house I heard an unfamiliar, rich voice who spoke with an obvious smile.

"I really hope you know that poor girl."

Emmett turned to face who I assumed was Edward, leaving me on his shoulder facing the opposite direction. I began to wiggle and squirm trying to free myself.

"Edward, dude. This is my sister Bella."

"Well Bella, while you do have a very nice ass, do you think I could see the rest of you, too ?"

I blushed instantly realizing the view Edward must have of my ass in my tight jeans. Emmett put me back down on to my feet, and I tried very hard to hide my embarrassment. Subconsciously, I ran my hand through my hair. It was then that I finally looked up and saw the most beautiful man I had ever seen. His hair was disheveled as if he had been running his hands through it. He wore a suit but the jacket was missing. His dark tie was undone and laying loosely around his neck. His skin was so pale it was almost white; like porcelain. The top two buttons of his white shirt were undone giving me the faintest hint of his smooth chest underneath. My mouth instantly went dry and all words, common sense and brain function vanished as I locked eyes with Edward's incredible green pools. He stepped forward, a crooked grin tugging at his lips as he extended his hand. Without even thinking I placed my hand within his, shocked at how warm and soft it felt.

"Hello Bella, it's nice to meet you. I am Edward Cullen, your roommate-in-law."

He tilted his head to the side as if trying to read my thoughts. I smiled weakly at him , not trusting my voice for the moment. There was something about this man, something calming, soothing and highly sexual! I realized that my hand was still in his, and I had made no attempt to move. Just as I was about to retrieve my hand from his grasp he lifted it up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back. I was breathless. His lips were so gentle and warm; it made me wonder what it would feel like to kiss him. To feel those lips on my own, his tongue against mine…Oh, my, god, what the hell is wrong with me? I was lusting over a guy I didn't know. Not to mention I had a Joyfriend, I mean a Bake...JAKE! What the hell was this guy doing to me? Lost in my own internal conflict I didn't notice Emmett standing next to me until he had his arm around my shoulders causing Edward to drop my hand. I felt an instant disappointment at the loss of contact.

"Careful, she has a boyfriend." Emmett said, giving Edward a small warning look.

"Just being friendly, man."

"Speaking of which, where is he hiding at? Is he still too much of a pussy to spend any real time with me ?"

I sighed. Jake had no intention of becoming friends with Emmett anytime soon. He said he was just dating me, not my family. I guess they would have to get along, sooner or later. Jake, I think, just planned to put it off for as long as possible.

"He is not a pussy, Emmett, stop calling him that. He just had to work, that's all."

"He managed to find time in his busy schedule to meet up with Mom and Dad though."

Emmett snorted and to my surprise Edward was the one who spoke up.

"Come on dude, if you were Rose's older brother, would you be rushing to hang out with you?"

"That's different. Rose and I have a very physical relationship. Any brother would be entitled to kick my ass for the things I have done to that sweet body of hers. Bells is different, she is pure, right Bells?"

I bit my bottom lip and nodded avoiding any eye contact with Emmett or he would know for sure that I was lying. I didn't, however, expect to once again be met my Edward's green sparking orbs. He merely smiled and shook his head, clearly not believing the lie. Once again I blushed a deep red and as if sensing my discomfort, Edward came to my rescue.

"Come on, let's head inside. I am sure Bella wants to check the place out."

Edward reached out took my hand in his. He gave a gentle squeeze and another one of his crooked smiles. It would have been a very intimate gesture if he hadn't turned and done the exact same thing to Emmett, who proceeded to nuzzle Edward's neck in return. I tried to hold back the laughter.

"Um, do you two need some alone time?"

To answer my question Emmett wrapped both arms around Edward's neck and kissed his cheek. After only a few seconds, Edward quickly pulled away from Emmett. Keeping hold of my hand, he raised his other as a sign of surrender.

"Okay, okay. You win gay chicken yet again!"

"Why do you even try, Cullen? You know I can out gay you."

"Yes and now so does Mrs. Lewis from across the street, Wave to Mrs. Lewis, Bella."

I turned around to see a very shocked looking woman clearly in her eighties. Edward began waving as he laughed. Emmett simply blew the old woman a kiss, which only added to her disgust.

"Well, that was just rude!" Emmett huffed.

"Dude, you just admitted how you can out gay me, do you blame her for thinking that you are?"

"I will give her something to be fucking rude about." Emmett said with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Emmett turned to Edward and scooped him up in to his large arms bridal style. I couldn't control my laughter anymore. I doubled over with true belly laughs, something I hadn't felt in such a long time. I felt free, no stress, only the laughter. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to catch my breath. Mrs. Lewis huffed her disapproval before vanishing inside her house. I was still laughing, so I didn't notice Edward and Emmett standing either side of me wondering if I had gone completely mad.

"Bells…come back to us."

I tried to talk in between the laughter.

"I'm …sorry…it's…just…I…haven't…laughed…this hard…in so long."

"Hear that, Edward? We should go in to stand up."

"I don't know about that. Mrs. Lewis didn't seem to enjoy the performance you gave."

Emmett clutched his chest in mock hurt while Edward ran his hand through his tousled hair with a smirk of his own. With the next second I found myself hoisted up on to Emmett's large shoulder yet again. I began to squirm and wriggle, yelling at him to let me down.

"Emmett that is not how you escort a lady in to your home." Edward stated, with mock disapproval in his eyes.

"And what would you know about bringing ladies home? You are almost celibate these days."

"I know enough, put her down."

I was shocked when Emmett did exactly as he was asked, a rarity in itself. But even more so when Edward politely stood in front of me and smiled.

"Your ride, my fair lady. "

Edward then turned so his back was to me. He quickly pulled his shirt from where it was tucked inside his pants and crouched down slightly indicating for me to jump on his back. I rubbed my arm, suddenly feeling very self-conscious of all the attention I was receiving.

"Can't I just walk?"

"Nope, it's my way or Emmett's-you choose…"

Edward looked over his shoulder at me. That crooked heart-breaking smile would have broken me, but the words he spoke took away any fight I might have had at closing the distance between his body and mine.

"Come on, Bella. Just think of me as your horse, ride me whenever you want…"

He raised an eyebrow, challenging me and somewhere from behind I heard Emmett's un-amused tone.

"Dude…my sister!"

I took a step forward, placing my hands on Edward's shoulders. They felt much different from Jake's and Emmett's, smaller but still as defined and strong. With a small jump I wrapped my legs around his hips and almost squealed in surprise as Edward's hands grabbed the inside of my thighs to pull me up higher and secure me in place. I could feel the warmth of his hands even through the fabric of my jeans. He began to walk in to the house. All I could think about were his fingers and how if they only inched a little higher…what the hell was wrong with me? What was it about this guy? I couldn't help but lean a little closer, I could smell him. His cologne, his hair and something that was distinctly Edward, so sweet but so masculine, I could have stayed there all day. It was Edward's words that once again rattled me from my inner thoughts.

"You have reached your destination, love."

As he placed me back on to the ground, I felt my knees almost buckle from under me. My head swimming with thoughts I knew I shouldn't be having. I have, of course, lusted after other men. I mean who doesn't look now and again? And I told myself it was simply the close proximity to this attractive man that had my mind running away with itself. I shouldn't read too much in to a simple attraction to a beautiful, kind and funny man. I would be wrong not to. I sat down on to the couch, and Edward took the chair opposite. Emmett sat next to me, placing his arm around my shoulder.

"So what is new with you, Bells?"

"Nothing, Jake and I bought a new place and he wants to set a date for the wedding."

"He does? You don't?"

"No, no I do…I just, I don't know if it is just a little too soon."

"Bells, if you aren't ready then tell him. If he cares for you enough to marry your irritating ass to begin with, he will understand."

"Yeah…"

Yeah right! Last time I told Jake I wasn't sure if we should set a date I found myself having to tell my friends and family I fell out of bed and hit the side of my face on the floor…sounded better than Jake bounced my head off the wall in a rage. It wasn't that I didn't love him, I did. I just wanted a special day with my friends and my family. A church, a white dress…the wedding I had dreamed of since I was a girl. What Jake was offering was a quick service, just us and two witnesses-HIS friends I might add. Quiet, he said, no fuss. I suppose he was right in some way; I was selfish for wanting to share our day with other people. He wanted me for myself, his wife…his and only his.

"Still not working?"

I shook my head, another sore point. I wanted to work; I hated having nothing to do with my day. My mind was turning to mush! I even asked Jake about maybe taking a home course just to keep my brain ticking over. He put that idea to rest with the back of his hand. Guess he thought I would be virtually fucking someone by email if I was near a laptop. He thought a wife's place was at home cooking and cleaning for her husband and waiting on his every desire. So home I stayed…

"No, Jake likes me to be home and looked after."

"I never thought I would see you as Suzie homemaker."

"Makes two of us…"

Emmett narrowed his eyes, noticing the tone of my voice held a certain bitter note. Just as he was about to call me up on it Edward stood to his feet rubbing his hands together with a happy smile.

"I am in the mood for some takeout. Maybe Chinese…care to join me, Bella? My treat."

I was rather hungry, but again my voice seemed to fail me as his eyes bored in to mine. They were so kind and friendly but they drew you in-almost hypnotic. I simply nodded a yes and blushed a little.

"Dude, how come you didn't ask if I wanted food?"

"Brother dearest, if Edward knows you half as well as I think he does, then he would know your stomach is a bottomless pit and the question of whether you do or don't want food is redundant. You are ALWAYS hungry!"

Emmett huffed and folded his arms exactly the same as he would when he lost a game of snakes and ladders when we were children. Edward placed his arm around my shoulders, putting his face next to mine as we both looked at Emmett.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, dude."

I felt his rough stubble against my cheek and the warmth of his skin. I briefly closed my eyes unable to handle the close proximity of this intoxicating man. He laughed and moved away in to the other room to grab some menus. Emmett continued to pout until the food arrived and then strangely enough after one bite of his egg roll…he forgot he was even mad.

*****************************************

It was after nine and I knew I was in deeper trouble than I ever had been with Jake. He had been home from work four hours now and he would have had to find his own dinner. I hadn't realized just how long I spent with Emmett and Edward. It was easy to get lost in conversation with them. We ate, we laughed, and we even sang some karaoke. And when Edward excused himself to go to work I spent the next few hours with my big brother. We watched old movies we'd seen as kids, and talked over old times. The day had been wonderful, that was until Emmett mentioned the time and then my stomach filled with dread and fear. It was time to face the music. So I placed my key in the lock and walked inside. The room was in darkness, and I barely made out the figure of Jake sitting in the chair. I took a shaky step forward.

"Jake?"

"Where the hell have you been?"

His voice was deep and dripping with rage. I was scared, terrified in fact. He stood up from his chair and made short work of the distance between us. He wrapped his hand around my throat and he sniffed me, almost growling in disgust.

"You smell of another man."

"I was with Emmett, I told you it is where I would be…I lost track of the time and I…"

"LIAR!"

The back of Jake's hand hit my cheek and I let out a slight whimper. I stood up straight again, looking Jake in the eyes and trying to show him that I was telling the truth.

"I swear to you baby, I was just with my brother."

What happened next I did not expect. Jake balled his hand in to a fist and punched my side as hard as he could. Normally Jake's temper was lashing out, erratic…this was vicious. I couldn't breathe. I held my side and began gasping, trying to get some form of air in to my lungs. I could feel darkness closing in on me. I tried to keep focused as I gasped more and more. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder where I had collapsed and a voice that was so different than a moment voice was kind, caring and worried. This was my sweet Jake.e . The one I first met.

"Oh god, Bella, I'm so sorry. I was just so worried and I thought something had happened to you. I had a bad day at work and everything just became too much. I didn't mean to hurt you, are you alright baby? Talk to me please!"

"I…I…can't breathe."

"Shit, do you need a doctor or something? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

I could no longer form words- the pain in my side was too much. I knew what had happened, my ribs were broken. I heard them snap with the force that Jake hit me. He helped me up to my feet and walked me towards the car. He apologized the entire time, promising it wouldn't happen again. He said that it would be the last time. So many apologies, so many last times. His words didn't mean much anymore. I knew he loved me and I knew he was sorry. He sat me in the car and I continued to clutch my ribs as he climbed in to the driver's side.

"Bells…you can't tell them what happened. You know that right? They will tear us apart, Bella. I don't want to lose you."

I nodded and managed to say only one word.

"Fell."

"Yeah, you fell on the stairs up to the apartment right?"

I nodded again and closed my eyes. I could only take small shallow breaths and my lungs were screaming for more. They burned with lack of oxygen and I prayed for this journey to be over soon.

By the time I was set up in one of the examination rooms the pain had eased a little. It felt better when I didn't have to move so much. Jake had gone back home a half hour ago to wait. I told him I didn't need him here and it would probably be best if he weren't here to answer any questions if they were suspicious. He, of course, agreed. I was glad of the peace to be truthful. It meant no more apologizing and promises to make it up to me. I knew he felt guilty but part of me wanted him to stay that way for a while longer. I lay back in the uncomfortable bed looking up at the bright lights. I hated hospitals, yet I had seen them too many times since being with Jake. A nurse pulled back the curtain and smiled politely.

"The doctor is just finishing up with a patient next door. He will be with you in a moment."

I closed my eyes and tried once more to take some deep breaths; but it hurt so much I only ended up clutching my ribs again relenting to short shallow breaths. I heard the nurse lean out of the exam room as she called out.

"Over here, this room, Dr. Cullen."

"Wait, Dr. who?"

Then he pulled back the curtain and walked inside. His hair was a little neater than earlier, a white coat and one set of confused sparkling beautiful green eyes.

"Bella?"

"Oh fuck…"