Chapter 14- Edward Takes A Stand

Bella lay curled up on her side and stared into nothing. She wasn't sure whether she would ever see Jacob again and at this point she wasn't sure whether the Cullens have killed him or not. However much she yelled at him, gave him the cold shoulder and snapped at his friends/colleagues, she still smiled at how generous he was. How much he cared. From the moment they first met he had done nothing but think of her and cared for her. Sure he lied, but he did it to protect her. Now, that she is alone and without him by her side she began to understand what she had lost.

Now, there was the new problem. Edward. Letting her stay in his room but keeping her captive. Such a bittersweet idea. Torturous. He won't kill her, she figured that part out, but he won't let her leave. Now she wasn't sure where she stood in all of this. She touched her stomach for a second and wondered what difference it would make if she decided she didn't want this baby.

At that moment, the door unlocked and Bella wasn't faltered. She knew who it was so she just lay where she was, staring into space.

Edward appeared at the door and closed it behind him. He looked at the woman on his bed with a hint of sadness. She looked so defeated. He didn't want that. He liked her fiery spirit but that was gone. Something had replaced it. Something worse. He approached her holding a box of pizza and a six-pack of Cola.

"Thought you might be hungry" He offered after a moment of silence. He set it down on the foot of the bed and stood there. She didn't move. Edward came closer and sat on the side towards her front. He looked down at her with worry

"Bella, you have to eat more. It's important during pregnancy." Bella still didn't move. He then stroked her cheek with the back of his hand

"What's wrong?" Bella nudged his hand away

"Damn you and this baby." She murmured coldly. Edward dropped his hand and looked away

"I'm sorry you think that. I'm not really such a bad guy. I know I may appear that way but really I'm not. You might not know it but finding out you are carrying a part of me has changed how I view us. I deeply respect you and I want to take care of you." Bella gave a cold chuckle

"Oh yeah you really care about me that you'd kill my boyfriend and then dump me in the trash after I've given birth. Never trust a Cullen. Rule 1 and you know what? Jacob was right." She then shifted and lay on the other side away from him.

"Bella," He began "Jacob is with us of his own volition. It wouldn't look good if I let him go. Not after what he did to my mother. Esme was everything to me and Carlisle. You have a mother. You must understand that. He knew what he was getting himself into the moment he shot her. Now he must pay the prize, simple as that. Besides, why do you care what happens to him? He has only lied to you these years you were together and now he trains you to face us, The Cullens, one of the top criminal families in America? How ludicrous is that? He was putting your life on the line too. A boyfriend wouldn't do that Bella, no matter how much he may have loved you"

"He still loves me! He does! And I love him!" Bella snapped. He crossed his arms and was deep in thought for a few minutes. Bella took the time to shimmy down further on the bed away from him. Then he stopped her with his arm in front of her, blocking her.

"No more running away." He ordered low and dangerous. He used that arm to wrap around her waist and drew her back to him. Bella struggled a little but he held her and pressed her to him. Bella didn't stop and she tried to push him away but Edward wouldn't budge. She scratched, bit, kicked anything she could for a few minutes and Edward just let her.

"Just let it out Bella" He offered as she continued to attack him with what she had. It didn't affect Edward at all but he knew if he was to talk with her she needed to be more relaxed with him.

After a few minutes she stopped and she broke out in sobs. Edward just held her, stroking her hair.

"Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. You eat what I've brought you before it gets cold and I'll take you to see Jacob." Bella turned to look at him for a second with surprise

"Really?" Edward nodded

"You have my word. But it'll have to be 5 minutes only." Bella nodded so Edward pushed the box of pizza over to her with his foot and sat Bella up as she wolfed down the food. He then reached for a Cola and gave it to her. He watched her eat the pizza and used the chance to examine every curve, her hair, her legs. She was stunning despite being her for a solid 24 hours and looking a bit shaken from the airport. Then he saw the bruises around the back of her neck from Carlisle's grip. She was hurt and she was enduring. He didn't know how to say it. But he loved her. He felt it. The emotions were overwhelming. If he was to show her that and eventually tell her, then he had to get her on his side even if that means taking her to Jacob. That lowlife who deserved nothing more than to be shot. Either way, Bella was his. No questions asked.

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Rosalie moaned deeply, clenching the sheets as she reached her orgasm. Emmett wasn't far behind and they looked at each other in bliss. Rosalie used her legs around Emmett's waist to bring him closer to her body, holding him. He looked down at her smiling as they shared a soft, passionate kiss.

"No better way to celebrate." He murmured on her lips. Rosalie gave a mmmhmmm sound and Emmett nuzzled the side of her face and neck. Emmett made a move to get off her but Rosalie held him by the shoulders

"No" She said softly "Stay inside me for a bit longer" Emmett looked into her eyes lovingly and nodded. He lay back down and rested his face on the pillow beside her head. He closed his eyes, taking in her scent. It was sweet and now a bit musky mixed with his own. He loved it when she smelt of him. It meant she was his and that no one else had possession of this beauty. Now she was busking with joy from the post coital but also other things.

"We fit well together don't we?" She offered as she circled her hips, feeling him deeper inside her. Emmett just nipped the side of her neck with agreement.

"And we get a baby. I can't believe it. After all these years of trying. We finally get one Emmett!" She started to cry a little and Emmett then hovered above her again looking down at her.

"No one deserves it more than you babe. You'll be a great mother. I love you" He whispered low pecking her lips. She smiled at him and kissed him deeper. She felt his erection come back and so she rolled them over so she was on top. She winked down at Emmett and began rocking her hips gently building up to another orgasm.

They could do this all day if they wanted to and nothing gave them better joy particularly during a celebratory time.

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Edward came downstairs to get himself a glass of water. Time with Bella in his room is a mixture of intense work mentally and emotionally. Getting her on his side was tougher than he imagined but no wonder after what he did to her.

He saw Alice and Jasper in the kitchen. Jasper was just in his pants while his shirt was worn by Alice and judging by the way Jasper had his arms around her, kissing her neck as she made food, she wasn't wearing much underneath that.

"Get a room you two." Edward grumbled as he got a glass and turned on the tap. Alice giggled

"Oooo Mr Grumpy. Things not working out with the lady?" Jasper joined her, coaxing

"Maybe if you fuck her again she'll see the end of her ways" They both started laughing and Edward finished his water before smashing the glass against the wall. Jasper and Alice stood silent. Watching him. Jasper took a step forward

"Edward, what the fuck's wrong with you? You've been acting so weird recently" Edward hissed

"Fuck you Jasper. I don't have to answer to anyone here. What happens between me and Bella is none of your god damn business. However, you insult her and I will break your neck and don't think I fucking won't. Alice will just have to get a new boyfriend." Alice screamed and rushed over

"You wouldn't dare Edward Anthony Masen Cullen!" Alice stood stretching her neck up to look at him. Edward hissed down at her

"Try me!"

"What's going on?" Carlisle boomed as he came downstairs with crossed arms. Jasper hissed while looking at Edward

"Ask your favourite son. I'm sure he can explain everything." Jasper took Alice by the hand and they walked out of the kitchen and to their room. Carlisle came over and stood next to him.

"Edward?" Edward looked at him worryingly

"I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I love Bella." Carlisle stiffened and thought for a second.

"I think you'll find Edward that you actually don't. What you are experiencing is something different. You lost your mother, a great part of your life. Now that the opportunity has arisen for Bella to be the mother of your child you want nothing more than for your child to have a mother in their life. You want that energy of a mother figure back in your life."

Edward gulped and took in this new information. Carlisle may have a point. He then turned to look at him

"No Carlisle, I think I do love her. I want her more than anyone. I love her. I want to have this family." Carlisle sniggered

"And does she?" Edward didn't respond. He honestly wasn't sure. Carlisle patted his shoulder

"I didn't think so. Whatever way, Rose and Emmett will get this baby. Don't spoil this for them. You can have the next baby when you and and your partner BOTH consent to have it. Now clean up this mess Edward." He pointed to the shattered glass on the floor and began walking upstairs.

Edward reached down to pick up the glass and snarled. No one in the family understood.

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Bella sat up when Edward unlocked the door and poked his head out

"We have to be quick. Come on" Bella jumped off the bed and made her way to the door. Edward led her out, holding her arm as he closed the door. He looked around to see no one was around and he lead her down the hall that lead to the stairs of the garage. He opened the door and closed the door behind him. Flicking the light on. The stairs lead the lower level where the door was and Edward guided her down the stairs

"Now remember Bella, five minutes. Don't want to get caught. You may not be able to see him again after that." He then turned the key on the door and opened it up, flicking the light on. Bella gasped when she saw Jacob tied to chair, the rope stained with blood along with his entire face. He was asleep. She cried softly and approached him. She stroked his face gently and he hissed before opening his eyes and gasped.
"Bella! What are you doing down here?!" Bella held his face and kissed him for a long time. Jacob accepted the kiss. It was his elixir. He was finding new strength. He opened his eyes to see Edward at the leaning against the door frame watching the pair with an angry look on his face. Jacob broke the kiss and hissed

"Run Bella. Now." Bella turned to see Edward there and she looked back at Jacob

"No Jacob. Edward brought me here to see you." Jacob looked at her with concern

"How? Why would he? What is he doing to you? Are you hurt? Did he hurt you? Cause if he did I swear to god-" Bella interrupted him, putting a finger to his lips

"No Jake. Edward has been great. He is taking care of me. He's making sure I'm eating. I have nice bed to sleep on. I'm well taken care of. You don't need to worry about me. I am the one who is worried about you. Are you thirsty? Hungry? We can get you something." Jacob stiffened

"Bella, I'd rather not discuss things with him there. Need I remind you of what he did to you and what he could do to you!" Bella sighed and looked at Edward

"Edward, can you wait outside the door please?" Edward didn't move for a second. He looked at them thinking.

"Edward" Bella pleaded. Edward looked at her before he pointed 3 fingers up indicating time length and closed the door. Jacob sighed

"Oh Bella, my love, how are you really?" Bella rested her forehead to his and sobbed

"It's so hard without you Jake. I missed you so much." She kissed him again and his voice broke a bit too

"I missed you too." Bella noticed the table on the far end with a water bottle on it, probably one of the Cullens left it behind and so she rushed over and grabbed it, bringing it to Jacob. She positioned it at his lips and he gulped down almost the whole bottle. She used the rest to splash his face, cleaning it a bit.

"You're an angel" He murmured and kissed her cheek as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. She was hesitant to sit on his lap probably since she didn't know if they broke his legs or not for a start.

"Bella I promise to get out of here as soon as I can and I'll come and get you. We will run away. I promise." Bella nodded

"I'll be waiting Jacob. Just hurry." He then whispered low

"There is a Swiss army knife in my pocket. Cut off the ropes on my hands and I'll pretend to still be tied up. Then go with him and I'll use the rest of the time to cut off the rest. I should be quick and I'll come for you. " Bella nodded smiling and took out the knife from his pocket and did what Jacob asked.

"Are you still keeping the baby Bella?" Jacob questioned as she cut the ropes. Bella sighed

"I don't know Jake. Maybe. But I'd rather have you than the baby right now." Jacob chuckled

"No reason we can't raise it together. We'll run off together and I'll leave my job for good. We can go to somewhere beautiful. A secluded island resort and live there with the baby. Just us. A family." Bella smiled

"Sounds perfect" She finished cutting the ropes and put the blade in his hand. She then came around and stroked his cheek. Jacob looked into her eyes and whispered

"Bella I wanted to ask you this in Italy but I think now that we are planning the rest of our lives together, I want to ask now before he gets back and ruins it. I want you to be my wife Bella, i want to help you raise the child. I can take care of us. Will you marry me?" Bella started crying and nodded

"Yes Jacob. A thousand times yes!" They started a deep kiss together for a few moments before Edward came in the door and was calling

"Time's up-" He stopped when he saw Bella and Jacob continue to kiss deeply. He stepped forward and cleared his throat

"Bella, it's time." Bella continued to kiss Jacob, wanting to savour the last moments. Edward wasn't having it. He reached for her and tried to pull her away

"Bella, let go" Bella wrapped her arms around Jacob's neck to secure her hold and kissed him some more. Edward stiffened. Now he was starting to get angry. Bella didn't care.

"I'm serious Bella! You get caught and you won't see him again!" Bella pulled away from Jacob and smiled at him

"I'll see you soon sweetheart" She emphasised the word and the pair smiled at the double meaning of the line. Edward took her arm and started leading her out of the door.

Edward paused when he saw Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle make their way to the door. The family stared at Edward and Bella and Carlisle hissed

"Edward!" Edward held Bella and snarled

"Carlisle, i had to do this. It was the only way to get Bella to understand." Carlisle stepped in front of the boys, fuming

"You disobeyed my orders. They are never suppose to see each other again!" Edward didn't say anything. Jasper sneered to Emmett

"Told you he was going soft" Edward barked

"When this is done I swear I will snap your neck off Jasper. I've had it with you!" Rosalie and Alice appeared at the door.
"What is it?" Alice asked. Emmett spoke up

"Edward let Bella in." Alice gasped. Carlisle's voice went authoritative

"Girls, take Bella upstairs, lock her in the room." Emmett and Jasper stepped forward, prying Bella from Edward's grasp and giving her to Rosalie and Alice. Edward resisted and punched Jasper in the face before elbowing Emmett.

"No Edward don't!" Bella cried out but the girls pulled her outside and closed the door. Emmett and Jasper secured a hold of Edward who continued to struggle against them. Carlisle stepped forward

"I'm sorry son. I tried to make you listen as I'm sure the others have too. But one way or another you are going to have to punished. I didn't think I'd have to punish you ever again Edward. You were always so good in the family. Seven years without this Edward and now I have to do it again." Edward moaned

"Carlisle no!" Emmett and Jasper turned Edward around and grabbed each arm, stretching him out. Carlisle stepped forward and teared off his shirt. The fabric fell to the ground and Edward pleaded again

"Carlisle please!" Carlisle murmured low to Edward

"I'm sorry, Edward, but it's the only way. You know Esme had to step out of the room the last time I did this. She couldn't bare to watch. She loved you too much. Now I can understand. It's very hard for me too. Probably will hurt me more to do this." He then walked over to the weapons table and took out a whip. He stepped closer and positioned himself.

"You brought this on yourself Edward." Jasper added in. Emmett just patted him on the shoulder. Jacob was sitting there awe struck. Edward was taking this for Bella. He started to understand why now. The thought scared him. But wait, Bella loved him not Edward. What was the problem?

The first lash came with a loud snap against Edward's skin and Edward snarled with a grunt. The next one came, then the next one. Edward closed his eyes and took lash after lash and every time it hit his back a new image of Bella popped into his head. One of her lying on the bed. One of her in his arms, one of them making love, her giving birth, them holding the baby together, her breastfeeding while he sat watching her lovingly, them getting married and one of him holding her face and sharing a gentle kiss as they were made husband and wife.

The lashes stopped and Edward let out a moan and sunk to the ground in agony. The pain engulfing his back and blood streamed down his back.

"Go and get him cleaned up." Carlisle murmured low as Emmett and Jasper took him out of the garage with Jacob sitting there absorbing the events.

There you are guys, a new one for you. Been doing rehearsals for a production so couldn't find time till today where I had my day off. YAY! Oh the drama in the Cullen family eh?

Next chapter up soon hopefully. Xx