Chapter 14

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Butterflies attacked the walls of my stomach, increasing in numbers proportionally with the time passing. Leaving the cover of Edward's umbrella, I start in the direction of my condo.

"How about you come over tonight? It's not like anyone will be sleeping." He chuckled at his own joke.

"EJ has this returning client for me in the morning and he always picks me up for it. So, I kinda hafta be their when he comes." I mumbled.

"So you just exchanged one master for another I see. You can't let him control your life Bella, you deserve better than that."

"For crying out loud Edward! I'm not letting him control anything, but he is my boss and I can't just not show up for a job without at least giving him the respect of knowing I won't be working for him any longer. I'll do this job, I'll give EJ my notice and then I'll be able to give this a fair shot."

"Fine, but call me once you're ready. You'd never be able to find our house." Edward huffed and carried on to his Volvo. I watched his car whiz off before I walked back.

Unlocking my door, I find EJ on my couch. By the looks of it, he has been here for awhile.

"Where have you been Isabella?" EJ's voice was stern and cold. Frowning, I throw my bag down. It's none of his concern where I am off hours.

"I was out, with a friend. What are you doing here? You can't just invite yourself in to my home."

EJ stood, stretching his six feet, and wiped his face with his hand. Letting out a condescending laugh, EJ let me his true thoughts be known.

"Bella, my dear, this is my home. I'm simply allowing you to live here remember?" his hand fell on my shoulder and disgust ran through my bones.

"Well don't go out of your way for me anymore. I'm leaving." I spit out. Looks like I'll be calling Edward sooner than tomorrow. Opening my cell, I dial Edward's number. Before I knew it, EJ snatched the phone out of my hand and shut it.

"Who do you think you were calling? There's no one that can help you Bella. You do realize that I own you in all sense of the word for the next two years?"

"What? You can't make me stay and I won't. You'll just have to find another puppet for your sick amusement." Turning around, I go to the door. All of a sudden I am spun around and feel my back hit the cold wall. My stunned eyes meet EJ's furious ones.

"We made a deal Isabella. A legally binding one at that, and unless I say otherwise you're mine. Now, go wash up you look horrible." EJ carelessly threw me to the side. Losing my balance I fall on my leg in an awkward manner.

Coming back tonight was such a mistake. Edward had been more right often times than not, why couldn't I have just listened to him this one time? Trying to stand, a sharp pain flies through my right leg. Great, I'm pretty sure it is sprained if not broken.

"Oh look at that, looks like you will need another girl to see your client Mr Dimera. You broke my leg, bastard." I spoke with venom in my voice.

"I'm a bastard? The man who brought you up out of nothing? You ungrateful little twat." EJ's anger rose several degrees. Again, he picked me up roughly by my shoulders.

"If it weren't for me, you'd be rotting on the streets right now. You know what, I think you owe me a display of gratitude."

EJ let go of me and I limped over to the barstool in the kitchen. Once in the seat, I noticed EJ taking off his belt. An idea pops in my mind when I see EJ's cell phone on top of the counter.

"You're right, and I'm sorry. Let me clean up for you and then I'll really show you how much I appreciate all you have done." I smile as sweetly as I am able to muster. Slyly swiping the phone off the counter, I head off to the bathroom.

Once inside, I make sure the door is locked before limping over to sit on the edge of the tub. My hand is shaking as I skim over the numbers, fearfully realizing that I don't know Edward's number by heart. Closing my eyes, I will the numbers to come to me somehow. I can't go back out there to what EJ's planning on doing to me.

Settling on a number, I count on pure luck that it leads to Edward. Three long rings and I hear the voice of a frail old woman. "Sorry wrong number." I mutter and defeatedly hang up.

Ten minutes have passed and I'm still at a loss of what to do. A loud banging appears on the door.

"Bella, the longer you wait, the more anxious I'm going to be. Come on out, you didn't mind it before." EJ's heavy british accent floated through the air. The only reason I didn't mind it was because I had no other way out before. But I knew things would be worse if I stayed in here any longer.

Steadying myself on the wall, I left the safety of the bathroom taking a deep breath. A smug grin graced EJ's face as if he knew he would end up the winner. To the victor goes the spoils remains to be true I find.

"It's alright darling, I won't hurt you. Much." EJ chuckled and held out his hand for me to take. I felt sick. If I had such audacity, I could probably puke in that unsuspecting, cruel hand. Tired of my reluctance, EJ roughly grabs my hands and yanks me closer to him.

"Wait!" I plead.

"Waiting is all I have been doing Bella." EJ pulled my shoulders, hoisting me up to his height. My feet are now dangling from the ground. Waisting no more time, EJ crashes his lips to mine. The kiss is angry and absent of any love or passion whatsoever.

I hear a whooshing sound and before I realize it, I fall back to the ground. Focusing my sight on what is happening in front of my, I gasp to see Edward holding EJ up against the wall by his throat. A feral look that I couldn't have imagined to have ever been worn by Edward is clearly broadcasted.

"You're going to regret ever laying a finger on Bella." Edward's voice was colored with threat.

"So you're the boyfriend eh? Here's some advice, get out while you can. She'll drain the life outta you." EJ chocked out. I heard Edward growl followed by some nasty gurgling sounds from EJ again.

Using the wall as leverage, I pull myself up. Hobbling over to Edward, I see the fear in EJ's eyes. A look that I was familiar with all too well. Gently placing a hand on Edward's arm, I can't be responsible for another death. No matter how deserved it may be.

"Let him go Edward. Please."

He stares into my eyes curiously before letting go. EJ falls to his knees gasping for breath. It's funny how easily the tables can turn.

"Thank you." EJ wheezes out. Edward simply huffs, his fists still tight with fury. Wordlessly, I hop over to his briefcase and search for my contract, my chains. Successfully finding them, I hand them to him.

"Tear them up."

I wait as he gladly follows my instructions. He gazes up at me planning on saying something else. Perhaps more insincere words of gratefulness.

"I didn't stop him from killing you because I felt sorry or merciful for you. I stopped him because I can't have anymore blood on my hands. Regardless of how much I may have enjoyed wearing yours on mine."

Pulling out my keys, I finger them briefly. Taking off the key to the condo and the car, I throw them, letting them hit the floorboards in front of EJ's sprawled legs. I smile up at Edward who's now back to his reserved form.

"Let's get out of here." Edward's arm slipped around my back, helping me walk.

"Let's."

((AN: So one more chapter left, I'm really not happy with this story but oh well.))