Hi guys, sorry for the wait. I had to plan out the story before I kept writing ( which I did ) So hopefully now my updates will go a lot faster. It's a little short, but better than nothing I hope. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own twilight

Oh… my lord. What have I done?! Was that him? I kept running, almost blindly. As always, when faced with terrifying situations my body automatically resorted to retreating instead of standing my ground. What if I got punished severely? No, not 'if', I would be punished, I was certain of that. There was no escaping this one, and it was much too early to leave, I hardly had a plan ready. I would have to bear this lifestyle for much, much longer. Suddenly, my long blue dress that Miss Alice had given me caught underneath my shoes as I was going down the stairs.

"Ahh!" I tumbled face forward down the large marble staircase, smacking my limbs against the stone as I tried to protect my head and neck. Instant, and searing pain ripped through my left arm. I silently prayed that I did not permanently damage myself; even though all I could think about was how much trouble I was in. I wasn't here for even a week, and I had already assaulted my primary master and pulled a reckless and thoughtless stunt. Tears began to leak out of the corners of my eyes, my arm hurt so much, was it broken?

"Isabella?" called the same beautiful but angry voice from before. I saw the man's shadow around the corner and I let my eyes close, trying to ease the pain.

"What did you do?" gasped the man. I opened my eyes and was stunned. He could not be my master. If he was, I was definitely going to have problems.

"I… I did not mean to hit you with the door Master… I'm so sorry, please, be merciful…" my voice cracked on the last word, I needed to take a deep breath. I saw Master Edward's golden eyes glance around and survey the situation, so I figured I might as well also. Blood. The beautiful marble stairs were now covered in my blood, which was apparently seeping from my arm, knees and back of my head. Blood. My head began to spin, and I could feel myself losing control of my body.

"Sir…" I whispered hoarsely, trying to fight my instant nausea and dizziness.

"Stay here." Answered my master, also in a strained voice. He nearly ran around the corner calling for someone. I heard voices coming from the bottom of the staircase but I couldn't turn my body to look. All I could do was cradle my arm and smell the rustiness of the blood. I slumped against the wall trying to stay conscious. I failed.

I awoke lying on a plush deep golden quilt in an unfamiliar room. Granted, most of the rooms were unfamiliar to me, but I was still unused to the constant surprises. I was used to monotonous routines. I looked down at my arm, which somehow was now wrapped up in cloth and bound in a sling. It still hurt, immensely. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to the rest of the room.

"EEEk!" I shrieked. Gasping for air, I tried to put my hand over my heart, but forgot that my arm was broken. Master Edward was there in the room with me the entire time. I felt my face turn as red as a cabbage, how embarrassingly unobservant I'd been….

"Hello Sir" I smiled timidly, trying to recover from my outburst.

" Hello" he answered with a sly smile. I took this opportunity to get a better look at him. He was younger, much younger than Master Carlisle. And he had a beautiful, but masculine face. One of the most handsome faces I'd ever seen… His hair was not the epitome of tidy but it suited him. He coughed.

"Oh, I'm sorry Sir… I was just thinking about what an inconvenience I've caused. I'm truly sorry." If only he knew what I was thinking and feeling… if only he could understand and not judge me so harshly.

" How are you feeling Isabella? You took quite a spill. Hitting me with the door was not such a big deal that you had to break your arm about it." He chuckled, eyeing me cautiously. Marvelous, he thinks I'm a nutcase. Am I?

"I…" I started to explain but he put his cool index finger to my lips to silence me. I immediately stopped and looked at him.

" How cruel were your past masters to you?" He asked, catching me off guard with his question. Was he trying to compare his punishment style with them?

" Well… it depended on my age Sir." I replied. He did not need to know about my problems.

"Elaborate." It sounded like a very serious command, well, perhaps it was.

" Err… sometimes I'd be whipped, other times I'd be lucky and just get beaten a few times. The worst was going without nourishment for days at a time. Well no, actually, the worst was when Master Giovan…" I stopped abruptly, realizing how completely out of line I was being, criticizing my past masters in front of my new one. He must think I'm completely disloyal! I went to put my head in my hands, realizing again that one was broken. I hissed in pain.

" Continue, please" He raised his eyebrows, completely solemn.

"Please Sir… I… forget what I was going to say." I answered nervously, biting my lip. I did not want to share my darkest and most personal fears with him. He was too intimidating, in many ways. I barely went into details even with Octavia.

"Isabella, I know you are not telling me the truth. I do not tolerate deliberate disobedience." He said, irritated. I gulped, trying to sift through my memories and tell him the barest of details.

"Uh.. my old Master Giovanni used to take advantage of me in personal ways… and his wife accused me of…" I stopped, grimacing at how naïve I sounded. Of course Masters could do that, and physically, it was not as bad as being whipped. But emotionally, it tore me to pieces. Edward put a hand on my shoulder and rubbed me consolingly. Surprised, I flinched away.

" All right. I understand. Don't worry, that sort of cruelty won't occur in this household, I promise you that. But we do need to go over some things…." He waited, making sure I was paying attention. I mentally scolded myself for getting lost in his appearance, yet again.

"Of course Sir."

" Well, I'm sure Alice informed you of the basics but I'd like to tell you what I expect of you. I want you to feel comfortable around me, and while I did not appreciate being hit in the face by an oak door, you should not be so terrified that you'd throw your self down the stairs. Is that understood?"

I nodded sheepishly, what was I expected to say? I'm sorry, your growl frightened me and I overreacted like I usually do? Nodding seemed like the better idea.

"Good. That being said, I appreciate slaves that show some imitative on their own. Anticipate my needs, you understand? The only timed things I'd like are breakfast around 8 o clock in the morning ,and a turn down of the bed in preparation for the night usually around midnight." He smiled. They were, after all, very easy requests. Midnight was rather late though, how much sleep did he get?

"Margaret will teach you everything else you'll be expected to do. Any questions?" He flashed me an alarmingly bright smile and got up from the bed.

" Well…" I trailed off… I was curious about certain things, but I wasn't sure if they were the kinds of questions he was referring to. He looked at me encouragingly and softly; my heart gave an involuntary squeeze. Snap out of it Bella, you are not staying here long.

"Well, I was just wondering who helped me with my injury, I'd like to thank him or her very much." I murmured quietly, still embarrassed from the uncharacteristic stunt I pulled earlier.

"Consider him thanked." Master Edward said, his eyes warm and kind. My heartbeat picked up at his concerned expression, and I quickly looked away, ashamed at my body's reactions.

" I want you to go down to your quarters and become acquainted with the other servants, especially Margaret. She's got bright orange hair and she's a tall woman, you'll recognize her immediately. Please, rest and sleep you've had a long day." He walked towards the door and held it open, which was my signal to leave. I tried to get up from my position and found it difficult to balance. Master Edward came to my side and lent me his shoulder to lean on. Embarrassed, I tried to steady myself independently.

"You don't have to… help me Sir. I'm only your servant. But thank you" I whispered, flustered. He snorted.

" Don't be ridiculous Isabella, you are hurt. Have a restful night." He assisted me to the hallway.

"Buona notte Master. Thank you for your kindness." He nodded and closed the door. I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to collect my scattered thoughts. Even though I knew boundaries and my self worth, I couldn't help but think of him. He voice and his eyes… his smile. His kindness. I shuttered and snapped myself out of it. I would not stay. I promised myself, and considering I was beginning to lose my common sense and manners perhaps it was a good thing. I walked myself down the hall and turned towards the stairs. They were now clean but I could see slightly red spots on the previously flawless marble. I gulped, hoping I could remove them tomorrow. While walking to my quarters I spotted Master Carlisle coming in the front door. I immediately curtsied towards him, not wanting to be insolent. He stared at me, and his brow furrowed, confused momentarily. Then, as he looked at my arm his face turned into a scowl. Shit.

"Come here Isabella." I walked towards him hesitantly. This was not good.

"How did you break your arm already?" He asked me coldly.

"I…I… didn't mean …" I began stuttering uncontrollably.

" Out with it. I don't have all day."

" I ran from Master Edward and tripped on the stairs…" I said nervously.

He walked over to the staircase and examined the stone. I turned to me, eyes narrowed.

"You have ruined my expensive marble."

"I'm very sorry Sir, I will try to clean it tomorrow…." I began. He stopped me and grabbed my neck.

"You will be sorry. And it will be clean, you will not rest until it is restored to its previous elegance." He growled. He grabbed my bad wrist and yanked me in the direction of the basement.

"Follow me." I whimpered in protest, as an excruciating pain radiated from my arm.

"Shut up. Or it will be worse." He unlocked a big wooden door and led me down cold stony stairs deep into the basement. An old man was sleeping in the corner in front of a bag. I could see restraints on the walls. I knew what this place was. I would be whipped for what happened. I was right when I thought I would not go unpunished. Master Edward might be kind, but Master Carlisle certainly had low tolerance. He walked over to the man and yanked his hair to wake him up. The man yelped.

" John, Isabella here will receive 5 good lashings, then send her to her quarters with the other slaves." He ordered, throwing me at John. Carlisle walked swiftly out of the basement and shut and locked the door. Did he think I would run? I knew better. Fighting it would only make it worse. Besides, I could handle 5 whippings; I'd had worse.

"So what did you do?" John asked me, leading me to the restraints.

" I ran, broke my arm and stained the floor." I replied dully. I was not in the mood to talk to my punisher.

" Hell, that's harsh." He grumbled as he pulled out the whip. He didn't go easy though; he was rough. The whip ripped through my sensitive skin on my back and I back to cry and flail. I forgot how much it stung, I was used to Mistress Marianne's evenhandedness.

Once he was finished he untied me and handed me some wet rags.

"I'm sorry I went rough, but I'd be punished if I didn't. I'll go unlock the door, clean yourself up." I nodded slightly, I could imagine Carlisle being that controlling. I slowly put on my dress and headed upstairs again. I limped slightly but made my way back to the slave corridors. I was greeted by silence instead of the usual comforting arguing of Jessica and Octavia that I was used to. I did not see Margaret. I quickly stripped into my old nightgown and slipped into a cot. I sighed.

Why were things so complicated? I knew now, that the Cullens had quick tempers. Carlisle was obviously the most traditional and temperamental, but I had to be careful around those I felt most comfortable as well. All I knew was that I had to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself from now on, and control my reactions. There would not be any more mishaps; after all, tomorrow would be a new day.

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