Edward's POV

How many times had I straightened my tie in the last ten minutes, twenty minutes? Even I had lost count. Esme was in the kitchen, humming over design plans. Carlisle was across from her at the bar, peacefully reading his latest medical novel. Jasper and Emmett were in the living room downstairs, yelling curses at one another over a game. Rosalie was in front of the mirror- no surprise- brushing her hair. Alice was in her room, fluttering around in her closet for the "perfect" pair of shoes, as she lovingly referred to it in her mind.

I stood before the mirror, rubbing my hand along the front of my ocean like tie. It rested over my ivory button up cleanly with the gray suit a striking offset to the color pattern. I ran my hand through the strands of my hair, smoothing them back into a clean style. For once, my hair seemed to be agreeing with my decision look as clean and pristine as possible. Staring at my reflection, I realized that this was as good as it was going to get. I shook my head, pivoting away from the glass. I flicked a button on my stereo, and the room was enveloped in silence. I left it behind, escaping into the hall and down into the living room in seconds. I walked over to my brothers, falling into the recliner. I rested, leaning back into the cushions as Jasper and Emmett slowly worked their way to the end of a level.

As they did so, my foot tapped relentless, the heel of my shoe beating like a drum along the hardwood. The game ended and the family carried themselves into the room. Before long, we were in the cars and on the road. I was so anxious to see Bella that my entire form seemed to be buzzing endlessly. The road stretched on before me, and I wondered if it would ever end. A turn here, a turn there. This red light; that stop sign. Nuisances, utter nuisances. Obstacles.

Carlisle speeds down the road in front of me without loosening his foot on the pedal. I follow behind easily, running along at an even space. He leads me to a back road which curves in and around the tree line, moving deep behind the city limits. The farther we went, the more I wondered where exactly this house was. I had never seen it in Bella's thoughts, and I suppose that really would not have helped me find it either way.

The road weaved around like a serpent, finally releasing into a wide area of trees which fanned out around a wide expanse of land. We drove straight up the driveway, never slowing or stopping as we drove straight across the road to the cement drive. The house on the hill was immaculate, the posts of the porch decorated with ribbons and a single flower pot hanging in the center of each one. Bright red roses rested in the pots, standing tall and alert.

"What a beautiful home," I heard Esme compliment from the car before me. I had to agree. It was very pristine, but not all great things are what they seem.

We pulled over to opposite side of the expansive concrete slab, parking in a row among the other cars that were present. I stripped the car of its life, stepping out and dropping my keys in the pocket of my dress pants. The members of my family fell in step as couples, following as I lead the way to the door. I stepped up the stairs carefully, tapping a gentle finger against the doorbell. I heard soft jazz music flowing from inside. Heartbeats, voices, and laughter revolved around one another as solid steps worked their way closer to the door. It opened to reveal a man with sleek black hair and pale skin dressed in a fashionable navy suit with a striking silver tie. He flashed a vibrant smile.

"Ah, Cullen family!" he greeted. "I am so happy you could make it. Please, come inside. We wouldn't want anyone to catch a cold."

We all passed on smiles as we filtered through the door. We stood in the entryway which stretched out into a large living room in which the furniture had been pushed to the walls to make the room more comfortable for a party.

"So, Dr. Cullen, please, introduce me to your family," Mr. Swan said, loud and clear. "You have quite a handsome and beautiful bunch here." His eyes traced over us steadily. Especially the blonde one. Absolutely stunning. I bit back a growl. Sadistic bastard was really asking for it, wasn't he?

Carlisle released a quite chuckle. "I suppose that is true. This is my wife, Esme, and these are our children Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, and Edward," he introduced, flicking his finger to each of us turn.

James nodded his head to each of us as our name was presented, smiling. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I do hope you enjoy the festivities. Please, eat, drink, be merry!"

Carlisle flashed his pearly whites. "Thank you." James walked away with a lift of his lips, strutting out into the crowd of people accumulating in the living room.

Carlisle began to lead Esme away when he spotted some people that work at the hospital. The rest of us congregated in the near close to the door, standing in our own huddle in the corner. Conversation flourished, but I was not paying much attention. I stood in the corner of the room with my siblings circled before me as my eyes roamed the crowd. I was searching for Bella and keeping an eye on James. I did not trust him at all, and I was not about to let anything happen.

Where the hell is that girl with the food? Gotcha. She better not be behind schedule. This will make me look terrible.

I caught him at the last second when he stepped through a door on the other side of the room. I watched through his mind as he moved into a grandiose kitchen littered with granite and sharply modern appliances. I saw him walk up to a form with flowing luscious locks. He gripped the wrist of the arm furiously stirring something in a pot on the stove. The hand released the spoon, flashing around. I came face to face with Bella through his mind, watching as she winced from the pressure on her wrist.

What the hell are you doing? I heard him ask from beyond the wall.

Bella stared with wide eyes, taking in the figure of her father. You're embarrassing me.

Her eyebrows lifted. Embarrassing you? Please, as long as the food gets there, who cares? Bella thought, blinking and lowering her head. Submission, always submission.

My brows furrowed.

"Edward," Alice whispered as I tuned into the vision she was having. Bella...her hand...hot water...boiling...screaming...burns...

Without thinking, I moved through the crowd like snake, lithe and serpentine. I walked to the door, ignoring everyone in the room. I saw Esme glance at me from the corner of her eye, her thoughts asking questions. I shook my head briefly, moving through the door. I halted just through it, letting it swing closed behind me as I took in the scene. James gazed at me hatefully over his shoulder before flashing a smile. Bella looked at me from over his shoulder fearfully.

I pulled my lips up into a tight smile. "I apologize. I am looking for the restroom," I lied, glancing at James' hand where it was still wrapped around Bella's wrist.

"Why, of course!" he sprung, spinning around as he released her and clapped his hands in front of his chest. "I'm sure my daughter would be more than happy to show you where it is. Darling," he turned to Bella, "is the food prepared?"

Bella stared at his lips, nodding cautiously. "Yes, sir." She bit her lip as he turned back to me. I watched her head fall, her hair cascading around her shoulders in loose waves.

"Great!" He glanced back at her. "Please, show our guest to where the facilities reside, please. I will get the food set out."

"Yes, sir," she breathed quietly, stepping out from behind him. She walked over to me, gazing up at me with her stunning irises. My eyes met hers lovingly, and I could not help the swell of emotion that coursed through. "This way," she murmured, brushing a hand to the side.

She pivoted on her high heeled shoe, traipsing down a hallway to the right of the kitchen. I glanced back at James once more as he reserved the help of some staff that had materialized in the kitchen under his order. I turned my head forward, watching Bella's hair sway over her back, sliding over the burgundy satin of her dress. I could not help my eyes from moving down her body, admiring each luscious curve. The dress swayed over her hips, ending halfway down her thigh. Her bare legs stretched on in endless curves of ivory. Her toned calves were wrapped in black ribbons which laced down to her stiletto heels.

I watched her walk, praying she did not fall. My worry increased as she began leading me up a set of stairs and then another. She never did trip or stumble.

"You're not really looking for the bathroom, are you?" she wondered as she moved deeper onto the landing, turning and looking up at me with raised brows. Her clean, porcelain face was covered in enhancing makeup. The wing on her lash line and mascara opened her stunning eyes even more, inviting me in. Her petal lips were covered in matte red. She was angelic, even in her state of annoyance.

"Well?" she inquired. She crossed her arms over her abdomen, tipping her weight to one side so her leg was bent.

I squeezed my eyes, exhaling through my nose. "No, I'm not." I opened my eyes, staring down at her.

"What were you doing?"

My eyes widened slightly. "I...well, I was-"

"You weren't looking for anything, were you?" she asked, her head tilting cutely.

I hung my head. "No, no, I wasn't. I was...worried about you, Bella."

She appeared taken aback by my words. Her lips parted ever so slightly, and I longed to run my finger over the surface of them to feel the velvet texture beneath my touch. I resisted, awaiting her response. "Why were you worried about me?"

"Bella..." I sighed. I shook my head, lifting my hands to push my fingers into my pockets. "Bella, I know what you're going through," I stated, revealing what I knew. I wanted to see if she would run with it. Otherwise, I was going to look like an ass. I knew I was right, however.

I watched her eyes widen as she dropped her arms from her midsection. "Oh, yeah, and what is that?" she questioned through tight lips.

I lifted my hands from my pockets, and they hung in the air between us limply, bouncing slightly. "Bella, I...I know about the...I know about the abuse, okay?"

Her jaw dropped, bobbing like a bouncy ball as she looked up at me in shock. "How?"

"You don't deny it?" I asked, shocked.

She blinked, tilting her head down to watch her feet as she dug the toe of her shoe into the wooden floor. "I can't deny what you already know. Edward, I know you saw the gauze on me that day after school. That's why I sped out of there." She looked up at me. "I didn't want you to know, but I won't hide it from you."

"Oh, Bella," I exhaled, stepping up to her. I placed my hands on her waist as hers fell to my chest, gently gripping the lapels of my jacket. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this." I placed my lips on her forehead, kissing her skin. "Please," I whispered against her flesh, "please, let me help you. Let me save you."

"You can't save me, Edward," she whispered back, shocking me that she had actually understood what I was saying. She tilted her head back, her eyes meeting mine. "He's not going to let me go, and you know that."

I shook my head. "I don't care. I'm not letting you live like this. I can take care of you, me and my family. You don't have to handle this alone." I cupped her face in my hands. "Bella, I can protect you."

She exhaled as her eyes flashed with longing. "Edward, I can't just up and leave. I've set up my life here, and what would James do? Edward, he'd murder me before I even got out the door."

"And what's he going to do if he keeps getting angry, Bella?" I argued. "I can't stand by and watch you get hurt," I finalized.

She shook her head, closing her eyes as she removed my hands from her face, holding them against my chest. "You have a point, I won't deny it, but I can't just leave. I can't sneak out my stuff, and you can't come traipsing in here, demanding my removal."

I lifted an eyebrow. "You want to see that happen?" I wondered seriously. "Because I will."

"No, Edward, no. Look, just, stay with me, okay?" she begged, looking up at me with those puppy dog eyes. "Stay with me and take of me now, alright? If I really need to get out of here, I'll go, and I'll go with you."

"That's not good enough, Bella," I stated. "You can't keep living like this."

"Edward, you don't understand, I-"

I moved forward, pressing my lips to hers. Her lips dissolved into a low moan that settled against my lips, rolling over my nerve endings like lightning. I shivered at the feeling, placing a hand on her hip. She released my hands entirely, sliding her hands up my jacket until her fingers were curled into the hair at the nape of my tug. I groaned when she pulled on the strands gently, wrapping my arms around her. Our lips moved in synchronization, the pulsating motions going together beautifully. I felt her curves beneath my hands, and I held her closer still. She parted her lips, and I took the initiative, tangling my tongue with hers. We battled for dominance, and she submitted to me, melting against me beautifully. Before I had the chance to fully comprehend what was happening, Bella was ripped from my arms.

I opened my eyes to see James back as he began laying punch after punch on Bella's delicate body. Bella cried out and whimpered, not hiding her pain.

"Do. You. Realize. What. The. Hell. You. Have. Done?" James growled through clenched teeth, highlighting each word with a wicked punch.

I growled as I heard the raging thoughts of the party goers as they worked their way up the stairs in a huddle. I shot forward, grabbing his fist before he could get another one in. I gripped his skin, hearing the bones shift uncomfortable as he groaned in pain, releasing his other hand's hold on Bella's arm. She whimpered, covering her face with her arms as she sunk to the floor, pushing up against the wall.

"You bastard," James growled pathetically. "Let me go. This bitch has embarrassed me!" He glared down at Bella as she cringed into the wall. "She has tarnished my reputation in this town! You selfish slut! Why couldn't you have taken your mother's place?! She deserved life more than you!"

I tightened my hand, reeling him around so his back rammed into the opposite wall. By this time, the landing and stairs were congested with people watching everything unfold. "You ruined your own reputation. If anything, she was saving it! And I swear to God, if you ever lay your hands on her again, I will kill you."

He smirked, spitting in my face. "Please, what are you going to do, Boy? Kill me and take her? Go ahead," he stated, tilting his head and looking up through his lashes in an almost drunken manner. "I don't want the whore anyway."

I glared, growling as I drew my fist back, prepared to strike and give this sick bastard all he deserved.

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