Thanks all, so very much, for reading and reviewing.I read every single review. Thanks also to my beta reader she did a very hard work in very less time. please please please review that will get the story to HEA soon.

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Chapter 10

My mind is still fuzzy with heavy sleep but I can feel her hands. She is still here running her hands soothingly through my hair. I never want to open my eyes. It feels heavenly here under her hands getting love and care. I can't believe she spent whole night here, just to care for me. I hope she won't get in trouble because of it but I wish I get this every day and night. When her finger touch my cheeks I lean closer to her hand, getting greedy for more care. I hold her hands in both of mine and kissed her finger.

"Thank you 'Esme," I mumbled without opening my eye.

My thanks brought a heavy chuckling but it's not Esme's. My eyes flew open and I saw Master Edward sitting on the bed with his hand in both of mine. I threw my hand away from his and scrambled back in bed. Is he mad at me? How did he come back so soon?

"I…I am ..." Half way into my apology I remembered Master Jasper's new order.

"This slave is sorry, Master." He looks at me with narrowed eyes and I know I did something wrong.

"Why are you talking like that?" His hard, angry voice brings truth to my lips instantly.

"Master Jasper told me to do it, Master."

"I'll deal with him. You are not allowed to talk like this." He said. I nodded in agreement; even I don't want to talk like that. His mood changed suddenly and he smiled.

"But for once I am happy with your sorry. I wish you would me sorry like this more often."

He said and kissed the same fingers I kissed before. Then he holds his hand open toward me in his usual welcome gesture.

"You can sit here comfortably. You know I am not Jasper." He said with a kind smile on his lips. I did sit properly and then it hit me - he is back, which means she is here.

"Oh my god. I…. Is she here? Did any one choose me?" The last part came out without even thinking. I bit my lip wishing I could take my words back.

He looked at me for a long time like he is trying to understand what I just said.

"No. I was on my way when I got Esme's call. She told me about Jasper beaten you so I decided to come back. Then I got two more messages from her on my way back. One about Carlisle's punishment and the other about…Jasper….you…." he shakes his head and looked in my eye

"I am sorry, Bella. What he did was inhuman…..I hope you forgive me one day."

"It's not your fault, Master. It's mine"

"No it's not. He just needed an excuse to lash out on you. But why didn't you call me?"

His question brought back the memory of him giving me the phone. Which is still in the closet, hidden in it's box.

"I forgot that I have cell phone" He put his head in hand and laughs at my excuse.

"How is your bruise? Esme told me you are in bad condition" His mood changed to sad again.

"She put salve on them last night. I think they are fine, Master." Esme did everything to make me comfortable. "She seems sad last night. Is she ok?"

"Yeah she was sad. She was crying when I came in the room last night. The hardest thing is to send her to her room."

"She was here, whole night?"

He just nodded his head. I hope she wasn't punished for staying late.

"Did she get in trouble for staying here master?"

"No. Carlisle knows she was here. She is upset and her trust is shaken a bit because of what jasper and Carlisle did to you" I don't know what to say. She is upset for me and I put her in trouble that got her punished. I should have done something for her.

"Bella….I…..can I check ….check on your bruises. Please." Master Edward's voice breaks my thoughts. I don't think saying no is an option, and more important is, I don't want to tell him no. I pulled my sleeves up to show him marks, but he turned and took me in his embrace.

Why he is hugging me? But I really don't want to know. It feels good when all tension left my body under him. I wish he'd let me spend my whole life here. His hand travelled down my back and my whole body came back to life like it's healed just with his touch.

But as he pulled my top up from my back, I tensed. Am I ready for this? Is he going to feel disgusted with my marked body? What will happen then? He will reject me.

I shivered at the thought

"Shhh…I won't do anything else. I promise, Bella. I want to cry at his soothing words. All I want him to do anything he wants; it would be much easier if he claim me. I don't have to worry about getting sold again.

Cold air hit my back when my top is pulled off. His hands left me for a second and then he placed a blanket between our chests. Why is he covering me? Am I that repulsive?

He kissed my hair before laying me on my stomach on the bed. Now my back is open for his eyes.

His loud gasp broke my heart. I hope he give me some time to convince him not to sell me. I hid my face in pillow and waited for his order to leave house.

"What the hell" His reaction brought me to begging. Even knowing he hates my begging I couldn't control my self.

"Pleaseee …Master, give me some time. …just one chance…. to please you Master. I ..I promise I won't disappoint you. Please don't sell me."

"What…..no one is selling you. I won't let it happen." He is silent for a long time. I don't know what he is thinking if he is not selling me. "Your back is a mess. I'll be back with salve and some pain killers."

He was back within moments and didn't say a word while putting salve on me. It seems like he is in deep thought, or maybe he is mad at me for ruining his property. I thought of asking him but soon his hand helping me in sitting up. A sharp pain hit my abdomen and I groaned loudly.

"What's wrong?" Master Edward asked.

It's James. He kicked me last night; it must be in bad condition.

"Bella" I moved the blanket aside to see.

"Oh my god. What happened? It's swelling." The horror in Master Edward voice is clear

It's really swelling I can't believe I didn't feel it before.

"It's ok. I'll be fine Master" I don't want to explain this but now I have to lie.

"It's not ok. I am a complete idiot I made you lie on your stomach. I am so sorry."

"I should have told you, Master" He handed me my top and told me to get dressed

"We are going to the hospital. I can't believe Carlisle didn't treat you properly."

"He didn't know master. It happened last night"

"Ok. I'll bring him here to see it."

He comes back with Master Carlisle and told me to show it to him

"How could you let this happen, Carlisle?" he asked as I pulled my top up.

"Did Jasper do this to you?" Master Carlisle asked me in soft voice and I shook my head, no. I wish they didn't ask me about this but the next word of Master Edward broke my wishes.

"James did this, didn't he?" Can I tell him the truth now? I want to but in front of Master Carlisle, I didn't think it's a good idea.

"No, Master" for ones my voice helped me in lying. Master Carlisle turned toward Master Edward.

"Do you seriously think I am capable of such act?"

"How did it happened?" Master Carlisle asked me through narrowed eyes.

"I fell in the bathroom" did they know I am lying? It's impossible to fall if you are crawling I decided now no matter what I will tell master Edward every thing but not now, not in front of Master Carlisle. Master Carlisle didn't ask any more questions. He checked me and told Master Edward nothing is broken, but some muscle pain will be there. When he left Master Edward sat beside me and holds my face in his hands

"Bella, I want you to start fighting for your self. I promise I won't let anything happen to you again but next time some one try to beat you. You will find help. Go to Esme or Carlisle they won't let Jasper beat you like this, they will help you but you have to help your self first."

I know he is right but can I fight? I don't think I am capable of it. Still I nodded towards the floor.

"I'll send Esme to help you in the bath. Don't worry and meet me at lunch. Ok?

"Yes, Master" I am happy he is sending Esme, I wanted to meet her and having a bath is now a privilege for me.

…

I can't believe I am hiding in a closet. It won't help you stupid, go down and have lunch. How long will it take me to understand a single word 'obedience'? Ok ok don't think and do it, you did it last night you can do it again. But Master Edward wasn't here last night. Eating from a dog's bowl without my hands was bad enough. Seen by Master Carlisle and Master Jasper was worse and I somehow survived Esme watching it too. But I don't want Master Edward to see me like that. Eating in front of him like that is impossible for me. I can't do it. You will earn more punishment idiot go now it's already late. Ok I am going, can't you just keep quiet.

I open the closet and started crawling toward the gate. It's already 11:15 I am late for lunch. I can do this. I can do this. My inner monologue broke when I heard the footsteps coming toward my room. I scramble back fast and hid in closet again. What have you done? You should have gone at time. Oh god, please help me.

I heard the door crack open and then footsteps coming inside the room.

"Bella," It's Master Edward. Go out and beg forgiveness he won't hurt you. I told my inner voice to keep its mouth shut. I held my breath hoping he will leave.

"Bella," his voice is coming closer he must have been checking in bathroom. You should have gone earlier. Oh shut up. I started panicking as his foot steps approach closet. My breathing becomes harsher. I put my hands on my mouth to keep silent. Please no just go I am not here. His footsteps stops just outside the closet. What is he thinking? Did he know I am inside? He sighs loudly and I heard his footsteps retreating. Oh thank god he is leaving.

"You can come out" his voice filled me with dread. He knows I am hiding inside.

"I won't leave till you come out. You can't hide your whole life in there." He is right I can't hide my whole life in here. I have to go and face him eventually. If I would have gone earlier I won't be in this position. I told you so. If there was anyway to kill my inner voice I would have done so in this moment.

I gather my courage, took a deep breath and open the closet door. He is sitting on the bed and looking at the floor with his head in hands. I crawled toward him and kneeled at his feet. He brought his head up and the look on his eyes broke my heart. He is disappointed. Tears rolled down on my cheeks. If I had gone earlier, none of this would have happened. He holds his hand out and made me sit beside him.

"Why are you crying?"

"I am so sorry, Master." He grimaced. He hates my begging and apologies.

"What exactly you are sorry for?"

"I disappointed you, Master." My tear filled voice sound as pathetic as I feel

"No I am disappointed with myself, Bella. I never thought I'd make you so scared that you have to hide in a closet"

"I didn't. I…..I am not. I didn't hide from you master"

"I called you twice, Bella. It still took you a whole minute to come out. What did I do to make you scared of me?"

"I am not scared of you. I am not, Master."

"Then tell me," He pulled my head up with both of his hands, "Tell me why you hid in the closet."

"I didn't hide from you; I hid because I am scared of going down and having lunch."

"You scared of having lunch?"

I nodded in agreement. I know how weird it sounds.

He put glass full of water to my lips and ordered "Drink this." I drained it slowly.

"We are going downstairs to have lunch." That brought my head back up. I don't want to, I just can't. My head is screaming to hide again. I pleaded him with my tear filled eyes

"No begging, no sorry and no crying. That's an order." I nodded knowing he didn't leave me any choice.

"Lie down." He move to door and pulled it wide open. When he comes back I am still sitting on the bed with a confused expression.

"Lie down, Bella." I don't know what is he doing but I did as I am told. He bends down and pulls me up in his arms. He kissed my forehead and took me outside. We reached down but my eyes still fixed on his face. He can't be human, he must be an angel. I heard various gasps but I am too busy watch him. When he took me to the dinning table I turned and saw everyone looking at us. Master Jasper and James are staring with angry eyes. Esme has big smile on her face and I couldn't put a name on Master Carlisle's expression. I turned again to see Master Edward and found him staring down at me with the same smiles. Esme's. He sits on the dining chair and pulled me on his lap. He will be in trouble because of you, stupid girl. But it feels really good to be like this.

"James. Serve us please."

Oh my god, he is going to make me eat too. But how?

"Edward. What are you doing? She is not suppose use her hands and feet," Master Jasper said in a hard voice. I looked down at my hand wishing he will listen to him and doesn't get in trouble

"She won't use her hands and feet." I gritted my teeth at his statement. I won't cry no matter what but last night was bad enough I don't want to eat like that again.

"Open." My eyes came up, and I saw a spoon full of soup in his hand. I looked at the spoon and then at him. What is he doing? He raised an eyebrow and I remember he ordered me to open my mouth. My lips parted it self in automatic motion and he feed me the soup by his hand. I can't believe all this is happening. He is feeding me by his hand. How can a single punishment become so different? I don't have courage to turn and face everyone. I looked down wishing he will feed himself, too.

"Carlisle, this is not the punishment," Master Jasper said again.

"The punishment is to improve her behavior towards her master. If she did please him, it's his decision how he wants to make this punishment for her." It's a relief that he is not mad at Master Edward. I already put Esme in trouble I don't want to put him too.

He brought another spoon to my lips but didn't order me this time. I opened my mouth knowing Master Carlisle won't be mad at him because of this. Whatever happened last night is forgotten after today's lunch. I would love to feed from that bowl if he made me eat from his hand the next day. I had the best lunch of my life.

Master Edward put me in bed after lunch and left Esme with me. We did lots of talking and had fun. I mean we communicated. We don't need word anymore. When Master Edward comes back he is grinning from ear to ear, like a cute child who got a magic wand. I don't know why he is happy but his wide grin brought a smile to Esme and my lips.

"I have something for you" my smile turned into a grin because he says the same thing every time we meet. I hold my hands out to share his happiness but that made him chuckle. He put his hand on mine and sat beside me.

"I have very good news," Then he turned toward Esme, "for you too, mom." I feel bad that I had forgotten Esme is still with us.

"What is it Edward?"

"You both are free from your punishment, Carlisle told me you are free to talk to her and she is free to use her hands and feet."

"What did you do?"

"Actually I didn't, he told me your punishments are not fitting for your crimes and he think he is being too harsh on you"

"Thank you so much, Edward." Esme said while hugging him. Then master turned and asked me, "Don't you want to know your good news?"

"ohh…. I thought this is…" I remember last time I disappointed him in same condition so I decided to ask him the way he wants "Will you please tell us my good news, Master." He smiled. He really smiled on my statement.

"She is coming tonight." What. My face must been showing my confusion, "The new girl, she will be here tonight." Oh my god. No. Not so soon.

"I should go and thank Carlisle first," Esme must have felt the change in the mood so she left

I looked down at my hand. Why is she here so soon? I love Esme I want to stay here.

"Bella, look at me." My head came up at his command and I looked in his concern filled eyes "What's wrong? You are not happy?" He asked in sad voice.

"I am happy for you, Master," but my voice doesn't sound convincing to my self.

"What are you thinking Bella?" I thought of telling him that I want to stay, to choose me instead of her but that's not what a slave's purpose is. A slave is supposed to make her master happy and all I can think of is myself. Master comes first, if he wants her that should make you happy too.

"She will make you happy and proud, Master."

"You think I won't choose you over her. Is that what it is about?" I don't want to think about it. I don't want to know how much time I have left in this house.

"She must be beautiful too. Have you seen her, Master?"

"I asked you a question." His voice held an authority that vibrates my sole.

"Why would anyone want choose me, Master? I am an old and used toy. She is…."

"You. Are. Not. A toy. Do you hear me?" He yelled loudly.

I shouldn't have said that. I made him angry now.

"I told you I don't want you talk about your self like that. Don't you dare cross me on this ever again" Tear rolled down on my cheeks. I bit my lip knowing there is nothing I can say to make it ok.

"And for your information, Carlisle told me to choose first and I already informed him of my choice." He did. I knew it. I know no one will choose me. Now I don't have any way to convince him. I know Master Jasper will reject me too. I hope they let me meet Esme before sending me anywhere.

His long finger pulled my chin up and I looked at him with tear-filled eyes.

"I chose you, Bella." My mind goes blank. I can't believe what he just said. I fell to the floor and touched his feet.

"Thank you, Master, thank you so much"

"Bella get up from floor, please." He pulled me up by my shoulder and sat me on the bed again. "Are these happy tears, or would you rather have Jasper over me?" He asked in very amused voice. I know he is teasing me now, but I know how much he sacrificed for it.

"Thank you so much, Master. I am grateful to you for doing me this favor."

"You think I did you a favor? You think I don't want you but chose you just to save you from Jasper, right?"

"You are very kind, Master." I tried to make him happy again but it didn't work.

"I am doing everything in my power to make you happy, just to get one smile from you."

"I am happy, Master." my reason doesn't affect him at all.

"Not the way I want you to be." He gets up from the bed and said, "You are happy because you know I choose you, not because you think I want you"

And he left the room.